Pyxis Oncology Appoints Michael A. Metzger to Board

Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (Nasdaq: PYXS), a clinical-stage company focused on developing next-generation treatments for challenging cancers, has announced a significant appointment to its Board of Directors. Effective June 10, 2024, Michael A. Metzger joins the board, bringing over 25 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience. Metzger currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and board member of Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNDX), a role he has held since 2015.

Lara S. Sullivan, M.D., President and CEO of Pyxis Oncology, expressed enthusiasm about Metzger's appointment, highlighting his extensive industry experience and successful leadership record. Sullivan emphasized that Metzger’s expertise would be instrumental as Pyxis Oncology continues to advance its innovative approach to developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), designed to treat difficult-to-manage cancers.

Metzger shared his excitement about joining Pyxis Oncology, praising the company's novel ADC approach and its promising therapeutic pipeline. He looks forward to collaborating with the board and leadership team to further the company's mission of improving cancer patient outcomes.

Before his tenure at Syndax, Metzger held several prominent positions within the biopharmaceutical field. He served as CEO of Regado Biosciences, leading its merger with Tobira Therapeutics and subsequent sale to Allergan. Additionally, he was COO of Mersana Therapeutics and held senior business development roles at Forest Laboratories. Most recently, Metzger was a board member of CTI Biopharma Corp., another publicly traded biopharmaceutical firm, which was acquired by SOBI AB in 2023. He holds a B.A. from George Washington University and an M.B.A. in finance from New York University Stern School of Business.

Pyxis Oncology is dedicated to developing groundbreaking treatments for hard-to-treat cancers. The company is advancing a range of next-generation therapeutics, including PYX-201 and PYX-106. PYX-201 is an ADC targeting EDB+FN within the tumor stroma, while PYX-106 is a fully human antibody aimed at blocking Siglec-15 to enhance T-cell function and proliferation. Both candidates are currently undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials for various solid tumors.

Pyxis Oncology's therapeutic strategies aim to directly attack tumor cells and address cancer's underlying pathologies, which lead to unchecked growth and immune evasion. The company's ADC and immuno-oncology programs utilize innovative strategies to target a wide spectrum of solid tumors that are resistant to existing treatments.

This strategic appointment and the ongoing development of their therapeutic candidates underscore Pyxis Oncology's commitment to pioneering treatments that could significantly improve the lives of cancer patients.