Pathios Therapeutics Names Paul G. Higham CEO

Pathios Therapeutics Limited, a biotech company specializing in pioneering therapies for cancer, has announced the appointment of Paul G. Higham as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Higham, an accomplished executive with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology sector, takes the helm as Pathios prepares to advance its first-in-class GPR65 antagonist into clinical development. Stuart Hughes, Ph.D., the founding CEO, will transition to the role of Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), where he will concentrate on pushing forward the company's innovative GPR65 inhibition strategy in cancer immunotherapy.

Higham's arrival at Pathios marks a significant milestone as the company shifts from preclinical development to a clinical-stage biotech firm. His extensive background includes leadership roles at Valo Therapeutics, where he guided the company from preclinical to clinical stages, and at Glycotope and Immatics Biotechnologies, both focused on immuno-oncology. Additionally, Higham has held strategic and operational leadership positions at Ark Therapeutics Group, GSK, and Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

At Pathios, Higham's primary focus will be on driving the company’s lead immuno-oncology program, PTT-4256, towards human clinical trials in advanced solid cancers by the end of 2024. This compound is an orally administered, highly potent, and selective small molecule inhibitor of GPR65. Hughes, who will now leverage his scientific expertise as CSO, will play a crucial role in advancing this unique therapeutic approach.

Tom McCarthy, Ph.D., co-founder and Executive Chair of Pathios, expressed enthusiasm for the leadership transition, highlighting Higham's operational and strategic acumen as invaluable assets during this pivotal phase. He emphasized that Hughes’ new role would allow him to focus his scientific capabilities on the development of Pathios’ therapeutic strategies, thereby enhancing value for both patients and shareholders.

Higham is optimistic about Pathios' future, citing the company's promising therapeutic candidate and robust investor backing, including support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Canaan, and Brandon Capital. He aims to contribute his experience and drive to an already strong leadership team, focusing on advancing the GPR65 antagonist approach to introduce new therapies for cancer patients.

Hughes echoed this sentiment, underscoring the significance of upcoming clinical trials for PTT-4256. These studies are expected to provide critical insights into the therapeutic potential of inhibiting the immunosuppressive activity of GPR65 in cancer patients. Hughes looks forward to collaborating with Higham to advance the scientific and strategic initiatives pivotal for Pathios' long-term success.

Pathios is tackling cancer treatment by targeting the immunosuppressive polarization of immune cells within the acidic tumor microenvironment. This process involves GPR65, an acid-sensing G protein-coupled receptor that promotes the immunosuppressive state of immune cells, thereby hindering the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. The company's research has shown that reduced GPR65 function correlates with improved survival rates across various solid tumors, positioning GPR65 as a unique target for therapeutic intervention. Preclinical data for PTT-4256 have highlighted its strong drug-like properties and notable anti-tumor activity as a monotherapy.

Beyond cancer, GPR65 activity is linked to other immunologically mediated diseases, presenting opportunities for Pathios to extend its research into additional therapeutic areas with substantial unmet needs.

Pathios, headquartered at the Innovation Centre on Milton Park near Oxford, UK, continues to drive forward its mission of translating innovative science into breakthrough medicines. The company's total funding to date amounts to $58 million, supported by prominent venture capital firms and strategic investments from industry leaders.