Neoleukin Therapeutics Announces Appointment of Martin Babler to Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NLTX) appointed Martin Babler to its Board of Directors, bringing extensive biopharmaceutical experience. Previously CEO of Principia Biopharma, Babler played a crucial role in its $3.7 billion acquisition by Sanofi. His expertise in commercial development and protein therapeutics is expected to enhance Neoleukin's clinical initiatives, especially in de novo protein design. Babler's background includes leadership positions at Genentech and Eli Lilly, positioning him to contribute significantly as Neoleukin advances its lead candidate, NL-201, aimed at improving treatment for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Positive

• Martin Babler's extensive background in biopharmaceuticals could bring fresh perspectives to Neoleukin.
• Babler's experience in leading successful company growth and acquisition may enhance Neoleukin's market competitiveness.
• The appointment is timely as Neoleukin advances its clinical development efforts.

Negative

• Babler's experience is primarily in companies acquired or with established products, raising concerns about his experience in a startup environment.

SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc., “Neoleukin” (NASDAQ:NLTX), a biopharmaceutical company utilizing sophisticated computational methods to design de novo protein therapeutics, today announced the appointment of Martin Babler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Principia Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRNB), to the company’s Board of Directors.

Mr. Babler brings decades of experience in business and commercial development, marketing and leadership in the biopharmaceutical industry. Since joining Principia as CEO in 2011, he has helped build and advance the company’s team, scientific platform, and portfolio of therapeutic candidates for immune-mediated diseases. In August 2020, Principia and Sanofi entered into a definitive acquisition agreement valued at approximately $3.7 billion.

“Martin’s expertise in translating scientific innovation into commercial therapeutics and his experience building a platform-based biotechnology company will be valuable additions to the Neoleukin Board as we begin clinical development and continue to expand opportunities for de novo protein design,” said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Neoleukin. “We are thrilled to have him join our distinguished Board.”

“Neoleukin’s de novo protein design represents a new approach to therapeutic development, and I’m extremely pleased to be joining the company at this exciting time,” said Mr. Babler.

Mr. Babler previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Talima Therapeutics from 2007 to 2011. Prior to this, Mr. Babler was a senior executive at Genentech including Vice President, Immunology Sales and Marketing. During his time at Genentech, he oversaw the Commercial Development organization and led the Cardiovascular Marketing organization.

Mr. Babler began his pharmaceutical industry career at Eli Lilly and Company with positions in sales management, global marketing and business development. He holds a Swiss Federal Diploma in Pharmacy from the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Mr. Babler graduated from the Executive Development Program at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. 

About Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc.

Neoleukin is a biopharmaceutical company creating next generation immunotherapies for cancer, inflammation and autoimmunity using de novo protein design technology. Neoleukin uses sophisticated computational methods to design proteins that demonstrate specific pharmaceutical properties that provide potentially superior therapeutic benefit over native proteins. Neoleukin’s lead product candidate, NL-201, is a combined IL-2 and IL-15 agonist designed to improve tolerability and activity by eliminating the alpha receptor binding interface. For more information, please visit the Neoleukin website: www.neoleukin.com.

Safe Harbor / Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, planned development activities and timelines, use and adequacy of cash reserves and the potential benefits of the company’s product candidates and platform. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the therapeutic properties and potential of the company’s de novo protein design technology. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to the company’s cash forecasts, the company’s ability to advance its product candidates, the receipt and timing of potential regulatory submissions, designations, approvals and commercialization of product candidates, the timing and results of preclinical and clinical trials, the timing of announcements and updates relating to the company’s clinical trials and related data market conditions and further impacts of COVID-19, that could cause actual results to differ materially from what Neoleukin expects. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect Neoleukin’s business and its financial results are detailed under the heading “Risk Factors” in documents the company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other reports as filed with the SEC. Neoleukin undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

Contacts:

Media
Julie Rathbun
206-769-9219
jrathbun@neoleukin.com

Investors
Solebury Trout
Brian Korb
646-378-2923
bkorb@troutgroup.com

FAQ

Who is Martin Babler and what is his role at Neoleukin Therapeutics?

Martin Babler has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Neoleukin Therapeutics, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles, including CEO of Principia Biopharma.

What impact will Martin Babler's appointment have on Neoleukin's future?

Babler's expertise in commercial development and leadership may enhance Neoleukin's strategic direction as it advances its clinical programs.

What is Neoleukin's lead product candidate?

Neoleukin's lead product candidate is NL-201, designed to improve tolerability and activity for cancer and autoimmune diseases.