Altimmune Appoints Industry Veteran Christophe Arbet-Engels, M.D., PhD as Chief Medical Officer to Drive Next Phase of Clinical Development of Pemvidutide
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) has appointed Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD as Chief Medical Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Arbet-Engels brings over 30 years of experience and will lead the clinical development of pemvidutide, including the planned Phase 3 trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
He succeeds Scott Harris, M.D., who will remain as Senior Strategic Advisor until February 2026. Dr. Arbet-Engels joins from X4 Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to the successful approval of Xolremdi. His compensation package includes options to purchase 450,000 shares and 150,000 restricted stock units of Altimmune's common stock.
The appointment comes at a crucial time as Altimmune prepares for upcoming 48-week data from the IMPACT trial in MASH and ongoing Phase 2 trials in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease.Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) ha nominato Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD come Chief Medical Officer, con effetto dal 1 ottobre 2025. Il Dr. Arbet-Engels porta oltre 30 anni di esperienza e guiderà lo sviluppo clinico di pemvidutide, inclusa la prevista fase 3 nello pathophysiology? correzione: steatoepatite associata a disfunzione metabolica (MASH).
Il Dr. Arbet-Engels succede a Scott Harris, M.D., che rimarrà come Senior Strategic Advisor fino a febbraio 2026. Il Dr. Arbet-Engels proviene da X4 Pharmaceuticals, dove ha contribuito all'approvazione riuscita di Xolremdi. Il pacchetto di compensazione include opzioni per l'acquisto di 450.000 azioni e 150.000 unità di azioni vincolate (RSU) delle azioni ordinarie di Altimmune.
L'annuncio arriva in un momento cruciale mentre Altimmune si prepara ai dati a 48 settimane del trial IMPACT in MASH e ai trial di Fase 2 per Disturbo da Uso di Alcool e Malattia Fegato Associata all'Alcool.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) ha designado a Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD como Director Médico, con efecto desde el 1 de octubre de 2025. El Dr. Arbet-Engels aporta más de 30 años de experiencia y dirigirá el desarrollo clínico de pemvidutide, incluida la prevista fase 3 en la esteatohepatitis metabólica asociada a disfunción (MASH).
Su sucesor será Scott Harris, M.D., quien permanecerá como Asesor Estratégico Senior hasta febrero de 2026. El Dr. Arbet-Engels procede de X4 Pharmaceuticals, donde contribuyó a la aprobación exitosa de Xolremdi. Su paquete de compensación incluye opciones para la compra de 450.000 acciones y 150.000 unidades de acciones restringidas de las acciones ordinarias de Altimmune.
La nombramiento llega en un momento crucial mientras Altimmune se prepara para los datos de 48 semanas del ensayo IMPACT en MASH y los ensayos de Fase 2 en Trastorno por Uso de Alcohol y Enfermedad Hepática Asociada al Alcohol.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT)는 Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD를 최고의료책임자(CMO)로 임명했으며, 발효일은 2025년 10월 1일입니다. Arbet-Engels 박사는 30년이 넘는 경력을 가지고 있으며 pemvidutide의 임상 개발을 주도하고 대사 기능 장애와 관련된 비알코올 지방간염(MASH)에서의 예정된 3상 시험을 포함합니다.
그는 MD인 Scott Harris를 계승하며, Harris 박사는 2026년 2월까지 시니어 전략 자문으로 남게 됩니다. Arbet-Engels 박사는 X4 Pharmaceuticals에서 Xolremdi의 성공적인 승인에 기여했고, 보상 패키지에는 주식 45만 주 매수 옵션과 상당한 수의 150,000주 제한주식(RSU)이 포함됩니다.
이번 임명은 Altimmune이 MASH의 IMPACT 시험 48주 데이터와 알코올 사용 장애 및 알코올 관련 간질환의 2상 시험을 준비하는 중요한 시점에 이뤄졌습니다.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) a nommé Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD comme Directeur Médical, à compter du 1er octobre 2025. Le Dr Arbet-Engels apporte plus de 30 ans d'expérience et dirigera le développement clinique de pemvidutide, y compris l'essai de phase 3 prévu dans la stéatohépatite métabolique associée à une dysfonction (MASH).
Il succède au Dr Scott Harris, M.D., qui restera Conseiller Stratégique Senior jusqu'en février 2026. Le Dr Arbet-Engels rejoint X4 Pharmaceuticals, où il a contribué à l'approbation réussie de Xolremdi. Son paquet de rémunération comprend des options d'achat de 450 000 actions et 150 000 unités d'actions restreintes du capital social ordinaire d'Altimmune.
Cette nomination intervient à un moment crucial alors qu'Altimmune se prépare aux données de 48 semaines de l'essai IMPACT dans le MASH et aux essais de phase 2 sur les troubles liés à l'usage d'alcool et les maladies du foie liées à l'alcool.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) hat Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD zum Chief Medical Officer ernannt, wirksam ab dem 1. Oktober 2025. Dr. Arbet-Engels bringt über 30 Jahre Erfahrung mit und wird die klinische Entwicklung von Pemvidutide leiten, einschließlich der geplanten Phase-3-Studie in der metabolisch bedingten Steatohepatitis (MASH).
Er folgt auf Scott Harris, M.D., der bis februar 2026 als Senior Strategic Advisor bleiben wird. Dr. Arbet-Engels kommt von X4 Pharmaceuticals, wo er zur erfolgreichen Zulassung von Xolremdi beigetragen hat. Sein Vergütungspaket umfasst Optionsscheine über 450.000 Aktien und 150.000 Restricted Stock Units der Stammaktien von Altimmune.
Die Ernennung erfolgt zu einem entscheidenden Zeitpunkt, da Altimmune die 48-Wochen-Daten der IMPACT-Studie in MASH und laufende Phase-2-Studien bei Alkoholgebrauchsstörung und alkoholbedingter Leberkrankheit vorbereitet.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) عيّنت الدكتور Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD كالرئيس الطبي التنفيذي، اعتباراً من 1 أكتوبر 2025. يجلب الدكتور Arbet-Engels أكثر من 30 عاماً من الخبرة وسيقود التطوير السريري لـ pemvidutide، بما في ذلك تجربة المرحلة الثالثة المخطط لها في التهاب الكبد الدهني المرتبط بخلل وظيفي أيضي (MASH).
يحل محل الدكتور سكوت هاريس، MD، الذي سيبقى كمستشار استراتيجي أول حتى فبراير 2026. ينضم الدكتور Arbet-Engels من X4 Pharmaceuticals، حيث ساهم في الموافقة الناجحة لـ Xolremdi. تشمل حزمة تعويضه خيارات شراء 450,000 سهم و 150,000 وحدة أسهم مقيدة من أسهم Altimmune العادية.
يأتي التعيين في وقت حاسم فيما تستعد Altimmune للبيانات خلال 48 أسبوعاً من تجربة IMPACT في MASH وللإطلاق التجريبي من المرحلة 2 في اضطراب استخدام الكحول ومرض الكبد المرتبط بالكحول.
Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT) 已任命 Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD 为首席医学官，生效日为2025年10月1日。Arbet-Engels 博士带来超过 30 年的经验，将领导 pemvidutide 的临床开发工作，包括在代谢功能障碍相关脂肪性肝炎（MASH）中的计划 Phase 3 试验。
他接替 Scott Harris 医学博士，后者将继续担任高级战略顾问直到 2026 年 2 月。Arbet-Engels 博士来自 X4 Pharmaceuticals，在那里他为 Xolremdi 的成功获批做出了贡献。他的薪酬方案包括 购买 450,000 股的期权 和 150,000 股受限股票单位（RSU），均为 Altimmune 普通股。
在 Altimmune 为 IMPACT 试验在 MASH 的 48 周数据以及正在进行的用于酒精使用障碍和酒精相关肝病的 Phase 2 试验做准备之际，这一任命正处于关键时刻。
- None.
- Significant equity compensation package may lead to future dilution
- Change in medical leadership during critical Phase 3 preparation period
Insights
Altimmune's appointment of experienced CMO Arbet-Engels strengthens leadership for pemvidutide's crucial Phase 3 MASH development.
The appointment of Dr. Christophe Arbet-Engels as Altimmune's new CMO represents a strategic leadership enhancement at a pivotal moment in the company's development pipeline. Dr. Arbet-Engels brings over 30 years of experience with particularly relevant expertise in late-stage clinical development, regulatory approvals, and commercial launches—precisely the skill set Altimmune needs as pemvidutide advances toward Phase 3 trials in MASH.
His track record includes guiding regulatory approvals for notable products including LANTUS® and JARDIANCE®, both commercially successful diabetes medications. Most recently at X4 Pharmaceuticals, he contributed significantly to the successful regulatory process for Xolremdi, approved in 2024. This regulatory navigation experience will be crucial for Altimmune's upcoming End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and planned Phase 3 initiation.
The timing of this transition is particularly significant as Altimmune approaches multiple catalysts: 48-week data from the IMPACT trial in MASH and ongoing Phase 2 trials in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease. This leadership change maintains continuity with the outgoing CMO remaining as an advisor until February 2026, allowing for knowledge transfer during this critical period.
The substantial equity compensation package (450,000 stock options and 150,000 RSUs with four-year vesting schedules) aligns the new CMO's interests with long-term company success, suggesting confidence in pemvidutide's clinical and commercial potential as Altimmune positions it as a potentially category-leading treatment across multiple high-prevalence indications with significant unmet needs.
Seasoned clinical leader to oversee Phase 3 development of pemvidutide in MASH
Dr. Arbet-Engels has led late-stage development, regulatory approvals and commercial launches for multiple successful franchises
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altimmune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALT), a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel peptide-based therapeutics for liver and cardiometabolic diseases, today announced the appointment of Christophe Arbet-Engels, MD, PhD as Chief Medical Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Dr. Arbet-Engels joins the Company with more than 30 years of experience spanning industry, academia and private practice, and will lead the ongoing clinical development of pemvidutide including the planned Phase 3 trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). He succeeds Scott Harris, M.D., who earlier this year informed the Company of his plans to retire from the position. Dr. Harris will remain with the Company as a Senior Strategic Advisor until February 2026.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christophe to the team at this crucial juncture in Altimmune’s evolution,” said Vipin K. Garg, Ph.D., President and CEO of Altimmune. “He brings a wealth of experience across mid- and late-stage clinical development, regulatory approvals and commercial launches that will be invaluable as we continue to advance pemvidutide and work toward our mission of establishing a new standard of care in the treatment of hepato-metabolic disorders. On behalf of the executive team and Board of Directors, I would also like to thank Scott for his instrumental contributions over the last six years. His oversight of the pemvidutide program through multiple INDs and clinical trials has positioned us well as we prepare to enter Phase 3 development in MASH.”
Dr. Arbet-Engels added, “I am proud to join the talented leadership team at Altimmune and excited to lead the development of a therapy as promising as pemvidutide. The data generated to date reinforces the highly differentiated profile of pemvidutide as well as its category-leading potential in MASH. With upcoming 48 week data from the IMPACT trial in MASH, as well as the ongoing Phase 2 trials in Alcohol Use Disorder and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease, pemvidutide presents an exciting opportunity to disrupt the treatment paradigm in three highly prevalent indications and potentially address multiple significant unmet medical needs. I look forward to working closely with Vipin and the rest of the team as we advance to the End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and continue working toward the initiation of the Phase 3 trial in MASH.”
Dr. Arbet-Engels joins Altimmune from X4 Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: XFOR), where he served as Chief Medical Officer since 2023. While at X4, he contributed extensively to the successful regulatory process for Xolremdi (mavorixafor), which was approved in 2024 for WHIM Syndrome, and led late-stage clinical programs for mavorixafor in Chronic Neutropenia. Previously, he was Chief Medical Officer at Neurogastrx, Millendo Therapeutics, and Poxel Pharmaceuticals, where he led the clinical development and approval in Japan of Twymeeg for diabetes. Earlier in his career, he held several senior-level medical and clinical positions including at Biogen, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Hoffmann-La Roche, Merck Research Laboratories, Aventis Pharmaceuticals, and Ligand Pharmaceuticals, where he led clinical development and registration, launch and lifecycle management efforts for a variety of products including LANTUS® and JARDIANCE®. Prior to his career in industry, Dr. Arbet-Engels served in educational roles at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, University of Paris VI, and the Assistance Publique, Hospitals of Paris, and he currently serves as a Member of the Board of Tutors in Biochemical Sciences at Harvard University. Dr. Arbet-Engels received his MD and PhD in internal medicine and endocrinology/metabolism from the University of Paris, France, and completed his MBA at Rutgers University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of California, San Diego, and residencies in Endocrinology and Internal Medicine at Military Hospital Bégin, Paris and Assistance Publique, Hospitals of Paris, respectively.
Inducement Grant
In connection with being named as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Arbet-Engels will receive, in the aggregate, options to purchase 450,000 shares of Altimmune’s common stock, and 150,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The options will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of Altimmune’s common stock on October 1, 2025 (the “Grant Date”). Based on the closing price of Altimmune’s common stock on October 1, 2025, Altimmune would issue approximately 347,436 options as inducement awards under its 2018 Inducement Grant Plan, and the balance as incentive stock options under its 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The final allocation of options between the 2018 Inducement Grant Plan and 2017 Omnibus Plan are subject to adjustment based on the closing price of Altimmune’s common stock on the Grant Date. One-fourth of the shares underlying the options will vest on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date and thereafter 1/36th of the shares underlying the options will vest monthly, such that the shares underlying the options will be fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date, in each case, subject to Dr. Arbet-Engels continued employment with Altimmune on such vesting dates.
One-fourth of the RSUs will vest on the one-year anniversary of the Grant Date and thereafter the RSUs will vest in three substantially equal annual installments, such that the RSUs will be fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the Grant Date, in each case, subject to Dr. Arbet-Engel’s continued employment with Altimmune on such vesting dates. The equity awards were approved in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
About Altimmune
Altimmune is a late clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel peptide-based therapeutics for liver and cardiometabolic diseases. The Company’s lead product candidate is pemvidutide, a GLP-1/glucagon dual receptor agonist for the treatment of MASH, Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), Alcohol-associated Liver Disease (ALD) and obesity. For more information, please visit www.altimmune.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements made in this press release related to the development or commercialization of pemvidutide, an investigational product candidate, and other business, regulatory and financial matters including without limitation, the timing of key milestones for the Company’s clinical assets, future plans or expectations for pemvidutide for the treatment of MASH, AUD, ALD and obesity, and the prospects for receiving regulatory approval or commercializing or selling any product or drug candidates, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, when or if used in this press release, the words "may," "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "predict" and similar expressions and their variants, as they relate to Altimmune, Inc. may identify forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which change over time. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, or historical experience include risks and uncertainties, including risks relating to: delays in regulatory review, manufacturing and supply chain interruptions, access to clinical sites, enrollment, adverse effects on healthcare systems and disruption of the global economy; the reliability of the results of studies relating to human safety and possible adverse effects resulting from the administration of the Company's product candidates; the Company's ability to manufacture clinical trial materials on the timelines anticipated; and the success of future product advancements, including the success of future clinical trials. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect the Company's business, financial conditions and results of operations are contained in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the Company’s other filings with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov.
Follow @Altimmune, Inc. on LinkedIn
Follow @AltimmuneInc on X
Investor Contact:
Lee Roth
Burns McClellan
Phone: 646-382-3403
lroth@burnsmc.com
FAQ
Who is the new Chief Medical Officer of Altimmune (NASDAQ:ALT)?
What compensation package will Altimmune's new CMO receive?
What are the main clinical trials Altimmune is currently conducting?
What is Dr. Arbet-Engels' previous experience in drug development?
Who will Dr. Arbet-Engels replace at Altimmune?
