HOOKIPA Pharma Unveils Leadership Changes to Emphasize HB-200

HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOK), a biopharmaceutical firm specializing in innovative immunotherapeutics, has announced key leadership changes as it continues its strategic review. Effective July 22, 2024, Dr. Malte Peters will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Terry Coelho will serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Both will retain their positions on the Board of Directors. They replace Jörn Aldag and Reinhard Kandera, who are stepping down from their respective roles as CEO and CFO.

Dr. Peters and Ms. Coelho will collaborate closely with the Board to assess HOOKIPA’s business strategy and operations. Their goal is to unlock the full potential of HB-200, the company’s lead oncology candidate, and maximize shareholder value. This review will not disrupt ongoing operations or clinical trials.

Dr. Jan van de Winkel, Chairman of the Board, emphasized the significance of this transition, highlighting the milestones achieved by the company, such as obtaining PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency and aligning on a clinical development strategy with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The upcoming pivotal Phase 2/3 trial for HB-200 is also a key step forward. Additionally, HOOKIPA is advancing other development programs, including a collaborative effort with Gilead to develop HB-500 for HIV treatment.

Dr. Peters brings over 20 years of pharmaceutical and biotech experience, particularly in oncology and immunology. He joined HOOKIPA’s Board in January 2023 and has served as interim Senior Clinical Advisor. His previous roles include Chief Research and Development Officer at MorphoSys and Global Head of Clinical Development at Sandoz. Dr. Peters has contributed to the approval of 28 cancer therapies during his tenure at Novartis Oncology.

Terry Coelho, with over 35 years of experience, has held numerous senior leadership roles across various industries, including pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. She joined HOOKIPA’s Board in April 2023 and has been instrumental in leading business transformations and strategic planning. Ms. Coelho’s recent positions include CFO of Gamida Cell and Executive Vice President at CinCor Pharma, where she played a crucial role in the company’s IPO and subsequent sale to Astra Zeneca.

Sean Cassidy has also been appointed to HOOKIPA's Board, Audit Committee, and Compensation Committee, replacing Ms. Coelho as Chair of the Audit Committee. Cassidy, who previously served as CFO of Arvinas, has a strong background in financial management and has led multiple successful public and private financings.

Dr. van de Winkel expressed gratitude to the departing executives, Jörn Aldag and Reinhard Kandera, for their contributions and welcomed Mr. Cassidy to the Board, citing his extensive financial experience as a valuable asset for the company’s next phase of development.

HB-200, HOOKIPA’s lead oncology candidate, is designed using the company’s proprietary arenavirus platform. It aims to enhance the immune response against HPV16-positive cancers and has received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. FDA and PRIME designation from the European Medicines Agency.

HOOKIPA Pharma Inc. remains committed to developing novel immunotherapies targeting specific T cells to combat serious diseases. Through its proprietary arenavirus platform, the company aims to create robust and durable antigen-specific responses. HOOKIPA's pipeline includes treatments for HPV16-positive cancers, KRAS-mutated cancers, and collaborative programs with Gilead for HBV and HIV.