Priothera Ltd., a late-stage biopharma company, announced the appointment of Jens Hasskarl, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer to lead the global Phase 3 clinical development of mocravimod, a novel oral sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr. Hasskarl will oversee the MO-TRANS study, which evaluates mocravimod as an adjunctive treatment to enhance the curative potential of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT).
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Dr. Hasskarl brings over two decades of international leadership experience in clinical development, translational science, and medical affairs across pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic institutions. Most recently serving as CMO at Advesya AG, he led strategic development of novel immunotherapies in haemato-oncology and autoimmunity. His previous senior executive roles at Tigen Pharma, Celgene, and Novartis included instrumental contributions to the development and global approval of multiple cellular therapies including Breyanzi®, Abecma®, and Kymriah®.
"Jens' deep expertise in hematology, cellular therapy and translational drug development, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset and proven track record in leading successful global clinical programs, make him the ideal fit," said Florent Gros, Co-Founder and CEO of Priothera. "His insight and leadership will be critical as we prepare for the final phase of clinical execution and regulatory engagement for mocravimod."
Dr. Hasskarl expressed enthusiasm about joining the company during this pivotal phase: "The company's science-driven approach and commitment to improving outcomes for patients with AML aligns perfectly with my focus on advancing innovation in hematology. I look forward to working closely with the team to bring this promising therapy to patients worldwide."
Novel Mechanism Addresses Critical Unmet Need
Mocravimod (KRP203) represents a synthetic S1P receptor modulator being developed specifically for adjunctive treatment of AML to enhance allo-HCT outcomes. The drug's dual mechanism of action preserves the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect, which is critical for eliminating cancer cells, while simultaneously reducing the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a major complication following allo-HCT.
This novel treatment approach positions mocravimod as the only S1P receptor modulator currently in development to treat blood cancers, addressing a high unmet medical need while aiming to improve patients' quality of life. The drug is currently the only treatment with the potential to reduce transplant side effects of GvHD without compromising the graft's anticancer effect against leukemia, thereby enhancing the curative potential of allo-HCT.
Clinical Development and Company Background
The appointment comes as Priothera prepares for the final phase of clinical execution of the global Phase 3 MO-TRANS study. Mocravimod is being developed as both an adjunctive and maintenance therapy for hematological malignancies, with initial focus on AML in combination with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.
Founded in 2020, Priothera operates in France with headquarters in Dublin and is pioneering the development of mocravimod as a potential new standard of care in hematologic cancers. The company's approach extends beyond AML to include combination strategies with cellular therapies such as hematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T cell therapies.
Dr. Hasskarl holds an MD and PhD from Heidelberg University and the German Cancer Research Center, completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School, and holds a diploma in Health Economics. He is a board-certified Internist with specialty training in hematology and oncology and continues to lecture at Freiburg Medical School in Germany.
The company is backed by leading international life sciences investors, including Fountain Healthcare Partners, abrdn, EarlyBird Venture Capital, BEI, and Bpifrance Grand Est, reflecting confidence in the therapeutic potential of mocravimod and the company's strategic direction in addressing critical needs in hematologic malignancies.
