Celera Group

AUSTIN, Texas, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- InnovoTEX Inc., a pre-clinical stage oncology therapeutics company, today announced the appointment of Tarak D. Mody, Ph.D., to its board of directors. InnovoTEX is developing a proprietary platform called TEX Core that produces next-generation multi-modal cancer therapeutic agents known as Texaphyrin Drug Conjugates (TDCs), similar to Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADCs). In his new role as an independent board member, Dr. Mody will leverage his extensive expertise in oncology business development, licensing and in forging strategic alliances with pharma and biotech organizations, to accelerate development of the platform. "Dr. Mody's appointment underscores our commitment to advancing the TEX Core platform", said Jonathan Arambula, Ph.D., President and CEO of InnovoTEX. "His scientific insights and industry experience will be invaluable in expediting our drug development efforts." The company's lead clinical candidate, OxaliTEX, is at the forefront of these efforts. As a next-generation TDC, this small molecule agent targets wild type p53 platinum resistant solid tumors, addressing a significant unmet need in patients with cancer. With a career spanning several decades in the biopharmaceutical industry, Dr. Mody currently serves as Chief Business Officer at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI). He previously served as Vice President of Business Development & Alliance Management at Five Prime Therapeutics, where he led and executed multiple strategic transactions, including the $1.9 billion acquisition by Amgen, Inc. in 2021. Prior to this, Dr. Mody had an extensive 20-year career at Pharmacyclics Inc. (now AbbVie, Inc.). There, he was a member of the original scientific team before transitioning into business development, where he was instrumental in the multi-asset acquisition from Celera Genomics, which included Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor discovery programs. From 2006 to 2013, Dr. Mody headed business development and intellectual property at Pharmacyclics. Notably, he led the ~$1 billion transformative global 50:50 alliance with Johnson & Johnson on Pharmacyclics' breakthrough product ibrutinib (IMBRUVICA®), a first-in-class blockbuster BTK inhibitor now approved for several blood cancers. Dr. Mody is a co-inventor on over 100 issued US and international patents, including texaphyrin-based therapeutics, which are key components of the TEX Core platform. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from The University of Texas at Austin and holds a BS in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Villanova University. "I am eager to work with the InnovoTEX team to advance OxaliTEX and its innovative class of armored cancer therapeutics," said Dr. Mody. "Like so many of us personally touched by cancer, I am optimistic that InnovoTEX will deliver a targeted solution for patients with solid tumors." About OxaliTEX InnovoTEX's lead clinical candidate, OxaliTEX, is designed to treat wild type p53 platinum resistant solid tumors. Pre-clinical testing has revealed a complete circumvention of platinum drug resistance and improved safety margins for OxaliTEX relative to the current standard of care. SOURCE InnovoTEX Inc.

Veteran Life Sciences Executives Bring Extensive Public Company Operating Experience to Leadership TeamCINCINNATI, Oct. 10, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blue Water Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: BWV), which is focused on developing and commercializing transformational therapies to address significant global health challenges, today announced the appointments of Dr. Neil J. Campbell as President and CEO and Bruce Harmon as CFO, effective immediately. Dr. Campbell has also joined the Company’s board of directors. Dr. Campbell has more than 35 years of experience with public and private companies focused on biopharmaceuticals, health technologies, nanotechnologies, artificial intelligence and super-computing. He has held leadership positions with IGEN International, now Roche; Celera Genomics; and Abbott Laboratories. In addition, he has worked as a venture capital partner and private equity advisor. He currently serves as chairman of Mosaigen®, a commercial development company, and Patriax Industries™, a protective device company. James Sapirstein, Blue Water Biotech’s Lead Independent Director, said, "Neil is an exceptional businessman and leader who is well-suited for Blue Water Biotech. He has the proven ability to help us continue the Company’s transformation to maximize shareholder value. This involves the evaluation of our current programs as well as the identification of new opportunities. We are fortunate to have him at the helm of the Company.” Dr. Campbell, added, "I am energized by this opportunity that involves market-ready commercial assets. My priority is to work with the team to build a company that brings important medicines to market and, at the same time, increase shareholder value. Furthermore, I am pleased with the addition of Bruce as our CFO. He has worked with me many times over the years. Bruce will be a key member of our team, and his appointment reflects our commitment to put forth the strongest, most experienced leadership group to drive the Company forward.” Prior to joining Blue Water Biotech, Dr. Campbell was president, CEO and a director of Marizyme Inc. He also founded and served as chairman and CEO of Celios®, a respiratory device company that was acquired by a private investment group. Prior to this, Dr. Campbell was the co-founder, president and CEO of Helomics, a personalized healthcare company focused on next-generation oncology and immune therapeutics and diagnostics. This company was acquired by a private equity investor. Dr. Campbell also held senior executive positions with SuperNova Diagnostics, EntreMed Pharmaceuticals and Life Technologies. Dr. Campbell has been a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and Medical Institutes, Hong Kong University of Science and Tech, University of Liverpool, University of Baltimore and Duquesne University. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Norwich University, a master’s degree and MBA from Webster University, and a doctorate from the University of Liverpool. Mr. Harmon has more than 40 years of experience in financial positions with life sciences companies and various other industries. He replaces Jon Garfield, who has left the company. Mr. Harmon has served in a variety of roles, including chief financial officer, controller, chief executive officer and audit committee chairman. Immediately prior to joining Blue Water Biotech, he was an independent consultant who served in the outsourced CFO capacity for multiple publicly traded companies since 2008. During this time, Mr. Harmon was CFO of Marizyme Inc., the CFO of bioAffinity Technologies Inc. and a director of Dale Biotech LLC. Through his consulting business, Lakeport Business Services Inc., he worked with numerous companies. He has extensive experience with fundraising, public offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and turnarounds. Earlier in his career, he was a member of a team that, at the invitation of the Environmental Programmé, presented a green building product to delegates at the United Nations. He earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Missouri State University. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “expect,” and “intend,” among others. These forward-looking statements There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, market and other conditions, risks related to Blue Water’s ability to realize the benefits of its products, risks related to Blue Water’s ability to expand its business scope, commercialize and integrate the assets and commercial operations being acquired, into Blue Water’s business; risks related to Blue Water’s ability to attract, hire and retain skilled personnel and establish an effective sales team; risks related to Blue Water’s ability to establish, maintain and optimize key third party commercial collaboration); risks related to the Company’s present need for capital to close its asset acquisitions, commercially launch the Company’s acquired products and have adequate working capital; risks related to the development of Blue Water’s vaccine candidates; the failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations; risks related to the timing and progress of clinical development of our product candidates; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties of government or third party payor reimbursement; limited research and development efforts and dependence upon third parties; and substantial competition. As with any commercial-stage pharmaceutical product or any product candidate under clinical development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Blue Water does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in Blue Water’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 9, 2023, and periodic reports filed with the SEC on or after the date thereof. All of Blue Water’s forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by all such risk factors and other cautionary statements. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date thereof. Media Contact Information:Blue Water Media RelationsTelephone: (646) 942-5591Email: Nic.Johnson@russopartnersllc.com Investor Contact Information:Blue Water Investor RelationsEmail: investors@bwbioinc.com For more information about Blue Water, visit www.bwbioinc.com

Professors Sarah-Jane Dawson, Johanna Joyce, and Charles Swanton join The Mark Foundation's Scientific Advisory Committee; veteran biotech leader Wendy Young joins the Industry Advisory Committee NEW YORK, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing research that transforms the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, proudly announces the appointment of new members to its Scientific Advisory and Industry Advisory Committees. Joining The Mark Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee are distinguished cancer research and clinical oncology experts Sarah-Jane Dawson, MBBS, PhD, of Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Centre for Cancer Research University of Melbourne, Australia; Johanna Joyce, PhD, of the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; and Charles Swanton, MBPhD, of the Francis Crick Institute and University College London. All three are highly accomplished investigators in their respective fields of study and are past recipients of prestigious Mark Foundation ASPIRE awards that supported innovative cancer research projects in their labs. Chaired by Ross Levine, MD, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Scientific Advisory Committee is comprised of a stellar group of internationally renowned cancer research experts including Scott Armstrong, MD, PhD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, of Children's National Hospital; Elaine Mardis, PhD, of Nationwide Children's Hospital, Daniel Nomura, PhD, of University of California, Berkeley, and E. John Wherry, PhD, of University of Pennsylvania. The committee assists the foundation in reviewing its scientific goals and grant applications, as well as providing strategic advice and support for its research programs and investments. "As the foundation accelerates discovery and development of new cancer therapeutics and diagnostics by funding trailblazing science globally, it is critical to engage with the world's leading experts," said Ross Levine, MD. "The outstanding researchers on our advisory committees provide invaluable guidance and insight to help steer its programs toward success and impact." "The Mark Foundation's funding of high-risk, high-impact research is essential in the quest to achieve real breakthroughs in cancer research," said Johanna Joyce, PhD. "I am honored to join the Scientific Advisory Committee, to support the next generations of scientists and projects that will revolutionize treatments for patients." Joining The Mark Foundation Industry Advisory Committee is Wendy Young, PhD, an experienced biopharma and life science executive with a strong track record of drug discovery success. The Industry Advisory Committee, including active members Hans Bitter, PhD; Pamela Carroll, PhD; Dan Hicklin, PhD; and Markus Renschler, MD, brings together highly accomplished biotechnology and pharmaceutical R&D leaders to help advise the foundation's unique approach to funding drug discovery research and to investing in early-stage oncology companies developing cutting edge therapeutics and diagnostics. "We are thrilled and honored to welcome all of these distinguished scientists to our advisory committees," said Ryan Schoenfeld, PhD, CEO of The Mark Foundation . "Their extensive experience will greatly benefit our commitment to funding high-impact cancer research and bringing discoveries to patients." New Advisory Committee Member brief biographies: Sarah-Jane Dawson, MBBS, FRACP, PhD is a professor and clinician-scientist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Centre for Cancer Research at the University of Melbourne. She is the co-program head of the Cancer Biology and Therapeutics Program and Group Leader of the Molecular Biomarkers and Translational Genomics Laboratory. Professor Dawson is also a fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Her research program centers on developing noninvasive blood-based biomarkers ("liquid biopsies") for clinical application, including early detection, risk stratification and disease monitoring in cancer management to improve patient outcomes. Johanna Joyce, PhD, FAACR is a Full Professor at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Full Member of the international Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. She previously served as the inaugural Executive Director of the multi-institutional Agora Cancer Centre for translational research in Lausanne until 2021. Prior to relocating her lab to Switzerland in 2016, she was a Full Member at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a Full Professor at Weill Cornell Medical School in New York. Professor Joyce's research investigates the microenvironment in which a tumor arises and the critical influence that non-cancerous immune and stromal cells can have on tumor progression, metastasis, and therapeutic response. Charles Swanton, MBPhD, FRCP, FMedSci, FAACR, FRS is Deputy Clinical Director at the Francis Crick Institute and Senior Principal Investigator of the Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory. He is also the Royal Society Napier Professor in Cancer and a thoracic oncologist at University College London Hospitals, Chief Clinician of Cancer Research UK, and Chief Investigator of the TRACERx clinical study to decipher lung cancer evolution. Professor Swanton's research focuses on the branched evolutionary histories of solid tumors, processes that drive cancer cell-to-cell variation in the form of new cancer mutations or chromosomal instabilities, and the impact of such cancer diversity on effective immune surveillance and clinical outcome. Wendy Young, PhD is a biotech executive with more than 30 years of experience in the discovery and development of new medicines for patients. She currently serves as a Board Member and Scientific Advisor at several biotech companies and is an Advisor at Google Ventures. Previously, Wendy was the Senior Vice President, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, at Genentech where she actively built and led the research & discovery organization. Under her leadership, more than 25 clinical candidates progressed into development. Additionally, Wendy led the BTK discovery program and is co-inventor of fenebrutinib, which is currently in Phase 3 trials for multiple sclerosis. Prior to joining Genentech, Wendy held leadership roles at Celera Genomics and Scios, a J&J company. Follow these links for more on the entire Mark Foundation Scientific Advisory Committee and Industry Advisory Committee. About The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization based in New York City, actively partners with scientists worldwide to accelerate research that will transform cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Since 2017, The Mark Foundation has awarded over $220 million in grants to investigators at more than 100 academic institutions across 16 countries, with research programs focusing on early career support, team science collaboration, new technology innovation, and therapeutics discovery. Additionally, The Mark Foundation maintains a growing portfolio of investments in early-stage cancer diagnostics and therapeutics companies, including several that have transitioned from grantee projects into commercial development. To learn more, please visit . Contact: Linda Heaney [email protected] SOURCE The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research