Walden Biosciences, a venture-backed biotechnology company focused on developing disease-modifying kidney therapies, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Howard Mayer, M.D. to its Board of Directors. The strategic addition comes as the company approaches critical development milestones in its kidney disease pipeline.
Dr. Mayer joins Walden with an impressive track record in biopharmaceutical development, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development at Ipsen. His extensive experience includes leadership roles at several major pharmaceutical companies, including positions as Chief Medical Officer at both Shire and EMD Serono.
Strategic Timing for Pipeline Advancement
The appointment coincides with Walden's preparation for significant clinical developments. The company is approaching data readout from its Phase 2 Basket Study of WAL0921, an anti-suPAR antibody targeting glomerular kidney diseases. Additionally, Walden is advancing WAL0623, its dynamin stabilizer compound, toward clinical trials.
"Howard is an accomplished leader in the biopharmaceutical industry," stated Blaine McKee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Walden Biosciences. "His extensive expertise in clinical development, regulatory affairs, and orphan diseases will be invaluable as we approach our near-term data readout and pursue our mission to transform kidney disease treatment."
Proven Track Record in Drug Development
Dr. Mayer's career spans multiple therapeutic areas, including hematology, immunology, oncology, genetic diseases, and neuroscience. At Shire, he oversaw development across multiple therapeutic areas as Chief Medical Officer. His experience also includes significant roles at Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he contributed to various clinical development programs.
The industry has recognized Dr. Mayer's contributions, with PharmaVoice naming him among the 100 Most Inspiring People in the Life Sciences Industry in both 2011 and 2017. His academic credentials include a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.D. from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, followed by training at Mount Sinai Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Future Impact on Kidney Disease Treatment
"I'm excited to be joining Walden's Board during this pivotal time in the Company's evolution," Dr. Mayer commented. "Walden is generating important data on their lead program and has many upcoming significant inflection points from its pipeline. I look forward to working with this talented team and lending my expertise as the Company continues to advance its disease-modifying therapies for kidney disease."
