Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- Versameb AG, a company focused on transforming mRNA therapeutics for hard-to-treat diseases, has announced significant appointments to its board of directors.
- The new board members include Hernán Levett, Dr Lily Geidelberg, Paul Korner, MD, MBA, and Dr Alexandre LeBeaut.
- The appointments come as Versameb prepares to enter clinical development with its lead candidate, VMB-100, an RNA-based therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).
- The additions to the board bring valuable expertise and knowledge to support Versameb’s growth, development, and execution of its company strategy.
Versameb’s Expansion and Clinical Development:
The appointments of Hernán Levett, Dr Lily Geidelberg, Paul Korner, MD, MBA, and Dr Alexandre LeBeaut come at a significant time for Versameb. The company has recently completed an internal financing round to strengthen its cash position and is preparing to advance its lead candidate, VMB-100, into clinical development in the second half of 2023. Furthermore, Versameb plans to expand its innovative platform with two discovery programs targeting solid tumors, with filings expected in 2026.
Versameb’s CEO on the Board Appointments:
Dr Klaas Zuideveld, Chief Executive Officer of Versameb, expressed his enthusiasm for the new board members. He highlighted the strength they bring to the board as Versameb progresses VMB-100’s clinical development and expands its technology platform, Versagile. Each new member contributes extensive knowledge and expertise, ensuring Versameb is well-positioned for growth, development, and the delivery of promising RNA therapeutic programs.
Introducing the Board Members:
- Hernán Levett: With over 25 years of financial experience in international biotech and pharmaceutical companies, Levett brings a wealth of expertise. He has held various roles at Novartis, served as VP of Finance at InterMune, and worked as CFO at Auris Medical. Currently, he serves as CFO of Spexis AG, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company.
- Dr Lily Geidelberg: Dr Geidelberg is a Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Brevan Howard, where she focuses on biopharma investment opportunities. She combines her domain expertise with macroeconomic analysis. She also serves as an independent board member of eureKING, a European SPAC dedicated to bioproduction.
- Paul Korner, MD, MBA: Korner is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist physician executive. With over 24 years of industry experience, he has held senior R&D leadership positions at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Ardelyx Inc., Sarepta Therapeutics, and Axovant Gene Therapies. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Agile Therapeutics.
- Dr Alexandre LeBeaut: Dr LeBeaut is a seasoned R&D executive with extensive international drug development experience. He has held leadership positions at companies including Schering-Plough Research Institute, Novartis, Sanofi, Axcan Pharmaceuticals, and Bluebird Bio. Dr LeBeaut has served as Executive Vice-President R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Ipsen in the US and as CEO at the Institute for Advanced Clinical Trials for Children.
Versameb’s Mission and Innovative Platform:
Versameb is dedicated to reprogramming biology through the development of enhanced mRNA therapeutics for challenging diseases. Their VERSagile platform optimizes the application of functional RNA in various disease contexts. The lead candidate, VMB-100, has shown potential for treating Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) by promoting regeneration and functional restoration of the urinary sphincter.
Versameb’s mRNA therapies are designed with separately patented, highly potent molecules that have low immunogenicity. Their platform enables precise targeting of specific tissues and cell compartments, with the ability to modulate up to six proteins simultaneously. This approach addresses the complex heterogeneity of diseases with multiple interconnected causes and targets, facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.
Future Prospects:
Versameb aims to leverage the expertise of its newly appointed board members to drive the successful clinical development of VMB-100 and advance its technology platform. With their sights set on expanding globally, Versameb plans to extend its services and make cost-effective RNA therapies accessible to patients in need.
