Neoleukin Therapeutics Announces Appointment of Priti Patel, M.D., M.S., as Chief Medical Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Neoleukin Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NLTX) appointed Dr. Priti Patel as Chief Medical Officer. Bringing extensive experience from AstraZeneca, where she led clinical development in hematology, Dr. Patel's background includes overseeing over 6 Phase 3 and 20 Phase 1/2 studies. CEO Jonathan Drachman highlighted her expertise as vital for initiating the clinical trial of NL-201 and shaping future strategies. Neoleukin focuses on innovative therapies utilizing de novo protein design technology, with NL-201 being a lead candidate aimed at enhancing cancer treatment.

Positive

• Appointment of Dr. Priti Patel as Chief Medical Officer, bringing significant industry experience.
• Dr. Patel's past success in leading multiple clinical trials may enhance Neoleukin's credibility.
• The potential for NL-201 to offer improved tolerability and activity in cancer therapies.

Negative

• Concerns about continuity and the impact of management transition on ongoing projects.

SEATTLE, May 03, 2021 (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 Priti Patel, M.D., M.S., as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Patel joins Neoleukin from AstraZeneca, where she served as Vice President, Head of Hematology Clinical Development since 2019. Previously, she served as Senior Medical Director and Executive Medical Director at Acerta Pharma before its acquisition by AstraZeneca. During her time at AstraZeneca and Acerta, Dr. Patel led clinical development strategy and trial execution of investigational therapeutics for blood cancers. This included leading over 6 Phase 3 studies and 20 Phase 1/2 studies for acalabrutinib as monotherapy and combination therapy for solid tumors and hematological cancers with global approvals in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma. Prior to that, Dr. Patel served as Medical Director at Onyx Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Amgen) where she helped guide strategic clinical development efforts in the development and approval of carfilzomib, an FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

“Dr. Patel is an experienced and successful clinical leader with a depth of knowledge spanning multiple oncology indications. She has a track record of successfully developing oncology therapies and has contributed to regulatory filings and approvals globally,” said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Neoleukin. “We are excited to have Priti join our team; her experience will be instrumental as we begin the first clinical trial of NL-201 and set our clinical development plans for the future.”

“Neoleukin’s innovative approach to developing new, computationally designed therapeutics offers an exciting and compelling opportunity and, I am excited to join this dynamic team. I’ve dedicated my career to developing new therapies for patients with cancer and remain committed to advancing clinical research and novel approaches for unmet medical needs,” said Dr. Patel.

Dr. Patel has co-authored numerous scientific papers in peer reviewed medical journals. She received her B.A. and Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and her M.D. from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. Dr. Patel completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and post-doctoral fellowships in hematology and medical oncology at Stanford University Hospital.

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, statements regarding the therapeutic properties and potential of the company’s de novo protein design technology, the results of the clinical trial for NL-201, and planned clinical and development activities and timelines. 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. 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
Alexandra Roy
617-221-9197
aroy@soleburytrout.com

FAQ

Who is Dr. Priti Patel and what is her role at Neoleukin Therapeutics?

Dr. Priti Patel has been appointed Chief Medical Officer at Neoleukin Therapeutics, bringing extensive experience in clinical development, particularly in oncology.

What is the significance of Dr. Patel's appointment for Neoleukin's future?

Dr. Patel's leadership is expected to guide the clinical trial of NL-201 and strengthen the company's clinical development strategies.

What are Dr. Patel's previous experiences before joining Neoleukin?

Before joining Neoleukin, Dr. Patel was Vice President at AstraZeneca, leading hematology clinical development, and has extensive experience with multiple clinical trials in oncology.

What is NL-201 and why is it important for Neoleukin?

NL-201 is Neoleukin's lead product candidate, designed to improve cancer treatment by combining IL-2 and IL-15 agonist properties, aiming for better patient outcomes.