Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Leucid Bio, a biotech company specializing in next-generation CAR-T therapies, appoints Filippo Petti as its new CEO.
- Petti brings vast industry experience from both sides of the Atlantic and a track record of effective leadership in biotech companies focused on oncology drug development.
- The company stands at a crucial juncture as it transitions from a discovery company into a clinical organisation and continues its development of its lead Lateral CAR programme, LEU011.
Leucid Bio: Revolutionizing Cancer Therapy
Leucid Bio, a biotech trailblazer, is advancing a unique approach to developing next-generation Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies, aiming to bring revolutionary treatments to cancer patients around the world. With its proprietary Lateral CAR platform and an exclusive relationship with King’s College London, the company draws on deep scientific, clinical, and manufacturing expertise to craft cell therapies specifically for refractory cancers and solid tumors. Now, with a new leader at the helm, the organization is set to push further into uncharted territories of cellular therapies.
New Leadership, New Opportunities
The latest milestone in Leucid Bio’s journey is the appointment of Filippo Petti as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. His arrival marks a significant chapter for the company, which is accelerating its growth and pivoting from a discovery-focused entity into a clinical organization.
Bringing a wealth of expertise from his work with prominent biotech companies in the U.S. and Europe, Petti will be a guiding force in Leucid Bio’s expansion. His background includes serving as CEO and CFO of Celyad Oncology SA and a healthcare investment banker specializing in cell and gene therapy companies.
In discussing his appointment, Leucid Bio’s Chairman, Ian Miscampbell, stated, “Leucid will benefit immensely from Filippo’s proven leadership skills, extensive deal-making experience, and in-depth scientific knowledge…The Board is confident Filippo will help guide Leucid during this critical next phase, as it pivots from a discovery company into a clinical organisation, while accelerating our growth as a world-class CAR-T cell company focused on the treatment of cancer patients.”
A Vision for the Future
Stepping into his new role, Petti is eager to contribute to Leucid Bio’s mission and harness the potential of its unique approach to CAR-T therapies. As he expressed, “Leucid’s unique approach to the field of CAR-T has tremendous potential to help cancer patients around the world. The ability to combine the Company’s proprietary Lateral CAR platform with other emerging technologies the team are developing is incredibly exciting.”
At the forefront of Leucid’s initiatives is the Lateral CAR programme LEU011. This pioneering therapy targets NKG2D ligands and is slated for clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumours and haematological malignancies. It showcases the potential to treat multiple cancer types, as NKG2D ligands are expressed on more than 80% of human tumour cells.
With its headquarters in London, Leucid Bio maintains its patient-centric focus by operating from Guy’s Hospital, where it possesses its own R&D and process development laboratories. It is dedicated to bettering the lives of individuals with hard-to-treat solid tumors through improved cell therapies.
Conclusion
With Filippo Petti’s appointment as CEO, Leucid Bio embarks on an exciting new phase. As the company readies itself for clinical trials and continues to expand its operations, the seasoned CAR T executive will prove invaluable in guiding the company’s strategy, ensuring it remains at the cutting edge of CAR-T cell therapy. The future looks promising for Leucid Bio, a company dedicated to pioneering transformative treatments for patients worldwide.
