Asgard Therapeutics, a privately held biotech company pioneering in vivo direct cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy, has announced the appointment of experienced immunology drug development specialist Shane Olwill as Chief Development Officer (CDO).
Shane, who joins Asgard from Pieris Pharmaceuticals, now merged with NASDAQ-listed Palvella Therapeutics, will lead IND-enabling studies and clinical trials planning for Asgard’s lead asset AT-108.
During his thirteen years at Pieris, Shane played a pivotal role developing its diverse pipeline of clinical programmes in immuno-oncology and respiratory diseases – progressing nine programmes into the clinic. Prior to that he was Director of Research at AIM-listed Fusion Antibodies, building out its research team and establishing its technology platform.
Cristiana Pires, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Asgard Therapeutics, said: “Shane’s skill set, derived from his extensive experience of pipeline development, particularly in immuno-oncology, is highly complementary to the other members of our team and will be of great benefit as we move forwards.”
Shane enthused: “Asgard’s in vivo cell reprogramming technology, based on the deep research and understanding of its founders, is a potentially transformative new form of cancer immunotherapy that is not only powerful but also indication-agnostic.
“I’m delighted to be joining the company, whose science is backed by very strong data and whose team is supported by high calibre investors. I look forward to working to progress AT-108 towards the clinic and maximising the potential of Asgard’s wider platform.”
