Calluna Pharma AS, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on pioneering first-in-class antibodies for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, has announced the appointment of Mark Gaffney as Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change occurs as Calluna's lead program, CAL101, is on track to complete its Phase 1 clinical trial later this year.
Leadership Transition and Strategic Vision
Gaffney brings over 20 years of experience in corporate strategy, business development, and operations within both private and public biotechnology companies. He will be responsible for defining and executing the corporate strategy, particularly as CAL101 progresses through clinical development. Prior to joining Calluna, Gaffney served as CEO of Oxular Limited, a company focused on drug delivery technologies for retinal disorders, and held leadership positions at Vedere Bio, which was acquired by Novartis in 2020.
"It has been a rapid and impressive start to our journey as Calluna Pharma following joining forces of Oxitope Pharma and Arxx Therapeutics," said Gaffney. "I am delighted to join the team at such an exciting stage with Calluna’s lead candidate, CAL101, completing its Phase 1 program this year, and with the other programs in our pipeline demonstrating such promise."
Board Appointment
In addition to Gaffney's appointment, Mark Altmeyer has been named the Independent Chair of the Board. Altmeyer brings extensive leadership experience, having served on the boards and as an advisor to several pharma and biotech companies. He is currently Chair of AM-Pharma and also serves on the boards of Novaremed, Merz Therapeutics, Aculys, and Alector, all focusing on CNS and neurological treatments.
CAL101 and Pipeline Development
Calluna Pharma is focused on developing treatments that target the root causes of inflammation and fibrosis. CAL101, the company's lead candidate, is currently in Phase 1 development. The completion of this phase will mark a significant milestone for the company as it seeks to address unmet needs in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
"Calluna’s tailored approach to targeting the root causes of many diseases can be successful where other treatment strategies have fallen short," said Marco Boorsma, General Partner, Forbion, outgoing Chair and member of the Board of Calluna Pharma.
