ArriVent Names John Hohneker, M.D., to Board

ArriVent BioPharma, Inc., based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, has announced the addition of John Hohneker, M.D., to its Board of Directors as of May 16, 2024. Dr. Hohneker, a seasoned professional with more than three decades in biopharmaceutical leadership and drug development, currently serves on the boards of both public and private companies, including Carisma Therapeutics, Inc., Curis, Inc., Sonata Therapeutics, and Trishula Therapeutics.

Bing Yao, the Chairman and CEO of ArriVent, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Hohneker’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience in medical affairs, drug development, and market launches, which is expected to bolster ArriVent’s ongoing and future projects, particularly their lead candidate, firmonertinib. Dr. Hohneker reciprocated the excitement, emphasizing his commitment to advancing treatments that meet critical patient needs and his eagerness to contribute to ArriVent’s mission.

Dr. Hohneker's most recent role was as President and CEO of Anokion SA. Before that, he served as President of Research and Development at Forma Therapeutics, Inc., where he was instrumental in the company’s shift from a discovery-stage biotech to a clinical-stage organization. At Novartis AG, where he spent 14 years, Dr. Hohneker held several leadership roles, including Senior Vice President and Global Head of Development for Immunology and Dermatology. His tenure at Novartis was marked by significant contributions to the development, approval, and commercialization of multiple products. Dr. Hohneker holds a B.A. in chemistry from Gettysburg College and an M.D. from Rutgers Medical School.

ArriVent BioPharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs in oncology. The company leverages its extensive expertise in drug development to advance its portfolio, which includes firmonertinib, an EGFR inhibitor.

Firmonertinib is a mutation-selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor designed to be orally administered. It is capable of penetrating the brain and targets both common and rare EGFR mutations, including PACC and exon 20 insertion mutations. Approved in China in March 2021 for specific types of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), firmonertinib has since received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. FDA in October 2023 for previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. The drug is currently being evaluated in various global clinical trials, including a Phase 3 trial for NSCLC patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations and a Phase 1b study for those with EGFR PACC mutations. Additionally, it is part of a combination study for advanced or metastatic NSCLC with classical EGFR mutations in partnership with InnoCare Pharma.

Lung cancer, particularly NSCLC, is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases. EGFR mutations are a significant factor in NSCLC, with classical and uncommon mutations. Uncommon mutations, such as exon 20 insertions and PACC mutations, are associated with poorer prognoses and represent substantial unmet medical needs. Firmonertinib aims to address these needs with its targeted therapeutic approach.