Patrys Ltd (ASX:PAB) has strengthened its board with the appointment of experienced pharma executive Dr Charmaine Gittleson as chairman.
Gittleson is the former chief medical officer of CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) with more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical development in Australia and the USA.
Notably, her expertise spans many aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, from drug development and clinical research to strategic planning and executive management.
Gittleson is joining Patrys at an exciting time in its evolution as it completes the last remaining stages of preclinical development for PAT-DX1 in preparation for its first clinical trial, which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2023.
What’s more, Patrys is also establishing a commercial-scale production process for its second deoxymab, PAT-DX3, which is a full-sized IgG antibody capable of delivering therapeutic payloads into the nucleus of cancer cells.
Evolving into clinical-stage company
Patrys CEO and managing director Dr James Campbell said: “On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome Dr Gittleson to the Patrys board as chairman and look forward to working with her as we evolve into a clinical-stage company.
“Charmaine’s expertise and networks will be invaluable to us as we initiate the clinical development of PAT-DX1 and seek to expand the opportunities for PAT-DX1 and PAT-DX3 through additional programs and partnerships.
“Charmaine’s strong interpersonal skills will help shape the company as we move to the next, exciting stage of our growth.
“I believe that our ability to attract someone of Dr Gittleson’s calibre reflects the very real potential of our assets to transform health outcomes for patients.”
Notable experience
Gittleson has been involved in drug development programs across a wide range of different therapeutic areas and has successfully worked with regulators in key markets such as the US, EU, Asia Pacific, Japan and South America.
She is currently the chair of Antisense Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ANP), where she has been actively involved in strategy development, capital raising and board renewal.
Gittleson said: “I have been following the development of the Patrys platform for several years and continue to be very excited by the potential of deoxymabs to provide new approaches for treating a range of different cancers.
“As Patrys moves into the next stage of corporate growth and development, I look forward to working with James and his team.
“Having met the other directors of Patrys, I believe that this board provides a compelling range of experience that we will be able to leverage to great effect over the coming years.
‘I’d like to thank our outgoing chair Mike Stork for his stewardship over the past few months and look forward to working with him, Dr Klein, Ms Jones and Dr Campbell to shape a very positive future for Patrys.”