Estrella Immunopharma Names Hong Zhang as Chairperson and Board Member

Estrella Immunopharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker symbols ESLA and ESLAW, has announced key leadership changes. The company named Hong Zhang as the new Chairperson and a member of its Board of Directors. This announcement follows the commencement of the company’s Phase I/II clinical trial (STARLIGHT-1) for EB103, a T-cell therapy aimed at treating adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). With Zhang's appointment, the Board now has six directors, with Dr. Cheng Liu, the company's CEO and former Chairman, continuing as a director.

Dr. Liu expressed enthusiasm about Zhang's addition to the Board, highlighting her extensive experience in strategic leadership and financial expertise. He emphasized that her financial background would complement the existing scientific and business knowledge within the Board. Liu is optimistic that Zhang’s insights will significantly contribute to advancing Estrella's novel drug development.

Hong Zhang also expressed excitement about her new role at Estrella and working with a committed team dedicated to making a significant impact on patients' lives. She looks forward to contributing to the company's growth and development.

Zhang brings over 25 years of experience in financial and corporate strategy to Estrella. She previously served as Vice President at Incinta Medical Group Ltd., where she played a crucial role in establishing the company’s strong financial footing and growth. She also held leadership roles at Beijing Ocean Co-stone Capital Investment Management Company and Shenzhen Co-stone Venture Investment Management Company, overseeing fund management, risk control, and investment. Zhang began her career in the legal division of Shandong High-Tech Investment Corporation Co. Ltd., a venture capital firm.

In addition to her new role at Estrella, Zhang currently holds ownership and serves on the board of Co-Fame Investment Management Co. Ltd. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Shandong University and a Postgraduate degree in Laws from China University of Political Science and Law.

Estrella Immunopharma is committed to harnessing the power of the human immune system to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate, EB103, employs Eureka Therapeutics’ ARTEMIS® technology to target CD19, a protein found on nearly all B-cell leukemias and lymphomas. Estrella is also developing EB104, which targets both CD19 and CD22, another protein expressed on the surface of B-cell malignancies.

EB103 is currently being evaluated in the STARLIGHT-1 Phase I/II clinical trial, which began dosing patients in July 2024. The trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of EB103 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This T-cell therapy, also known as Estrella's "CD19-Redirected ARTEMIS® T-Cell Therapy," uses a unique cellular mechanism that closely resembles that of an endogenous T-cell receptor. Once administered, EB103 T-cells seek out and destroy CD19-positive cancer cells. 

Estrella’s mission is to transform the lives of patients fighting cancer and other diseases through innovative therapies. The company believes that its ARTEMIS® technology can offer significant therapeutic advantages in targeting and eliminating cancer cells. 

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