TORL BioTherapeutics Appoints Aran Maree, M.D., as CMO and Starts Phase 2 Study in Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

TORL BioTherapeutics, LLC has announced a significant leadership addition and a new clinical trial initiative. Aran Maree, MD, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer. TORL BioTherapeutics is dedicated to developing antibody-based immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer. Concurrently, the company has launched CATALINA-2, a global Phase 2 study focused on their Claudin 6 (CLDN6) targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) TORL-1-23 for patients with CLDN6 positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

The year 2024 marks a pivotal moment for TORL, as expressed by Mark J. Alles, Chairman and CEO of the company. The initiation of their first Phase 2 study with TORL-1-23 is a substantial step forward in their mission to advance multiple clinical programs. The addition of Dr. Maree, a seasoned professional in the biopharmaceutical sector, is expected to bring valuable expertise to TORL, enhancing their capacity to deliver improved patient outcomes across various diseases.

Dr. Maree’s career has been marked by significant contributions to the biopharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining TORL, he served as Chief Medical Officer for Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Innovative Medicines. His role involved overseeing an independent team focused on the clinical and scientific development of J&J’s product portfolio. Dr. Maree co-chaired the R&D Development Committee, which reviewed clinical programs across various therapeutic areas, including oncology and immunology. His tenure at J&J saw him manage safety oversight and program development for many of the company’s high-profile products.

Having joined J&J in 2006, Dr. Maree’s career trajectory included roles of increasing responsibility within the company’s MedTech division across regions such as Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and Japan. He was pivotal in enhancing the medical affairs capability and leading regulatory and quality efforts in these regions. In 2012, he became the global Chief Medical Officer of J&J MedTech, where he was in charge of patient safety and scientific integrity. By 2017, he had advanced to Chief Medical Officer for J&J’s pharmaceuticals segment.

Before his tenure at J&J, Dr. Maree worked with The Boston Consulting Group and Merck & Co. in Australia and New Zealand. His medical background includes an honors degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and training in interventional cardiology in Dublin and Sydney.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role at TORL, Dr. Maree highlighted the potential of TORL-1-23 and the company's growing pipeline to transform oncology practice. He is eager to contribute to establishing and scaling a global medical organization that will support TORL’s portfolio and the patients they aim to serve.

The CATALINA-2 study, launched in November, is a randomized, open-label Phase 2 trial involving women with CLDN6+ PROC who have undergone one to three prior treatments. Supported by promising Phase 1 data presented at the 2024 European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, the study aims to accelerate the registration of TORL-1-23 in treating CLDN6+ PROC. The Phase 1 results indicated that TORL-1-23 led to significant, durable, and confirmed responses with a manageable safety profile.

Co-founder and board member Dennis Slamon, MD, PhD, underscored the importance of initiating the registrational study and strengthening the leadership team as TORL progresses. The company has raised over $350 million from global biotech investors to date.

TORL's research and development include a pipeline targeting other proteins like Claudin 18.2 and Delta-like Non-canonical Notch Ligand 1 (DLK1) for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. TORL BioTherapeutics aims to transform patient outcomes by advancing its portfolio of antibody-based therapies for indications with substantial unmet medical needs.