PsiOxus Therapeutics appoints Dr Paolo Paoletti as chairman of the board

pharmafile | January 7, 2016 | Appointment | Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development |  Cancer, Dr Paolo Paoletti, GSK, PsiOxus Therapeutics, immuno-oncology, oncology 

Immuno-oncology company PsiOxus Therapeutics has appointed Kesios Therapeutics chief executive, and former president of GSK Oncology, Dr Paolo Paoletti, as chairman of its board of directors.

At GSK, Paoletti championed the fight against the causes and impacts of cancer. In this role, he was responsible for R&D, commercial strategy, and lifecycle management, and shared the accountability of GSK Oncology’s P&L with its regional commercial leaders. Prior to joining GSK, Paoletti was vice president, Clinical Development for Lilly Oncology.

Under Paoletti’s leadership, the oncology business for GSK grew from $200 million to almost $2 billion in less than a decade. In recognition of the value generated by Paoletti and his team, GSK sold its oncology business to Novartis for $16 billion in 2014.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr John Beadle, chief executive of PsiOxus, says: “We are honoured to have Dr Paoletti stepping into the Chairman’s role at this critical time for PsiOxus. I am certain that his proven experience in oncology drug development together with his ability to inspire and lead a growing oncology focused business will be invaluable as we move enadenotucirev, our lead oncolytic viral program, into mid-stage clinical studies and as we accelerate our next generation oncology platform and programs towards the clinic.”

Dr Paoletti adds: “I have been impressed by the potential of the PsiOxus platform to generate a range of highly novel and exciting immuno-oncology products. I look forward to working with the Board and the Executive Team to build a dynamic and valuable company whilst delivering an important range of new cancer treatments for patients.”

Beadle also thanked Dr Michael Moore, the founding chairman for PsiOxus, for his important contribution and on-going commitment to PsiOxus: “Dr Moore has been of invaluable support to both me and the board of PsiOxus. I am delighted that he will remain on the Board as Deputy Chairman to provide continuity as well as his unique insight into our business.”

In addition to his roles at PsiOxus and Kesios, Dr Paoletti is also a member of the boards of Genmab A/S, FORMA Therapeutics and Nucana BioMed.