Hillstar Bio, a biotechnology company developing precision immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases, announced the appointment of two senior executives to accelerate its clinical pipeline advancement. Maude Tessier, Ph.D., joins as Chief Operating Officer, while Shiva Krupa, Ph.D., MBA, assumes the role of Vice President of Program Management as the company prepares its lead TRBV9 program for clinical entry in 2026.
Strategic Leadership Expansion
The appointments strengthen Hillstar Bio's leadership team as it advances toward clinical trials for axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) treatment. Lauren Mifflin, Ph.D., MBA, who previously served as COO and is Principal of Company Creation at Frazier Life Sciences, will transition to an advisory role with the company.
"Maude's proven leadership in company building as well as her track record with partnering and financing innovative biotech ventures, along with Shiva's deep experience driving complex R&D programs from discovery into clinical trials, will be invaluable as we advance our lead TRBV9 program to the clinic and expand our pipeline of novel precision immunotherapies," said Robert Mabry, Ph.D., CEO of Hillstar Bio.
Executive Expertise and Background
Tessier brings over 18 years of biopharmaceutical experience spanning company building, corporate strategy, fundraising, and business development. As Chief Business Officer at Seismic Therapeutic, she led financing, partnering and corporate strategy initiatives, including a $146 million Series B financing. During her tenure as CBO of Ikena Oncology, she managed business development, legal, and corporate strategy functions, leading a strategic partnership with BMS valued at over $1 billion and contributing to more than $260 million in capital raises. Her career includes leadership positions at Merck & Co., Boston Children's Hospital, and Xanthus Pharmaceuticals. Tessier holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.
"Hillstar Bio's innovative approach is primed to reshape autoimmune treatment," said Tessier. "I look forward to contributing my versatile business experience alongside this world-class team to deliver impactful therapies to patients."
Krupa contributes over 18 years of experience in R&D strategy, portfolio management, and program management across biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. She has demonstrated expertise leading programs from discovery through pivotal trials, establishing program management principles, building teams, and managing strategic partnerships. Her leadership experience spans companies including Alltrna, Orna Therapeutics, AskBio, Homology Medicines, Biogen, and Novartis. Krupa holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad, India.
"Hillstar Bio's vision of moving beyond symptom management to target the underlying causes of autoimmune diseases is truly inspiring," said Krupa. "I am eager to contribute my program management expertise to ensure the efficient advancement of our pipeline, particularly our lead TRBV9 program focused on AxSpA, and help realize the opportunity for impact on patients' lives."
Precision Immunology Approach
Hillstar Bio's therapeutic strategy focuses on selectively targeting and depleting pathogenic immune cells while preserving healthy immune function. This precision approach aims to provide durable relief and immune reset for patients with autoimmune conditions, contrasting with traditional therapies that broadly suppress immune system function. The company's targeted methodology addresses specific disease mechanisms by eliminating underlying sources while reducing risks associated with chronic broad immunosuppression.
Financial Position and Clinical Timeline
The company recently completed a $67 million Series A financing round, providing funding through early clinical studies. The investor syndicate includes Droia Ventures, Frazier Life Sciences, Novo Holdings A/S, LifeArc Ventures and Hummingbird Bioscience, spanning the US, Europe, and Asia. This financial foundation supports acceleration of the TRBV9 program development while expanding the pipeline of selective immune cell targeting therapies.
