Aligos Therapeutics Strengthens CMC Leadership with Industry Veteran Ahead of Phase 2 Trial
Key Insights
Aligos Therapeutics has appointed Kieron Wesson, PhD as Vice President, Head of Chemistry Manufacturing Controls (CMC), bringing over 20 years of pharmaceutical development experience to the company.
The appointment comes at a strategic time as Aligos prepares to begin its Phase 2 study of ALG-000184 in mid-2025 for liver and viral diseases.
Dr. Wesson previously led CMC operations at Kezar Life Sciences and AN2 Therapeutics, and supported the approval and commercial launches of Kerydin® and Eucrisa® at Anacor Pharmaceuticals (search).
Aligos Therapeutics has appointed pharmaceutical industry veteran Kieron Wesson, PhD as Vice President, Head of Chemistry Manufacturing Controls (CMC), effective immediately. The strategic hire comes as the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company prepares to advance its Phase 2 study of ALG-000184 in mid-2025, targeting liver and viral diseases with significant unmet medical needs.
Strategic Leadership Addition
"I am pleased to welcome Kieron to Aligos," said Sushmita Chanda, PhD, DABT, Executive Vice President, Chief Development Officer at Aligos. "With decades of experience, Kieron's extensive knowledge and broad expertise will undoubtedly provide invaluable leadership and oversight on all CMC-related matters."
Dr. Wesson brings over 20 years of pharmaceutical development experience to his new role, having previously served in positions of increasing responsibility across multiple biotechnology companies. His appointment signals Aligos' commitment to strengthening its manufacturing and regulatory capabilities as it advances its therapeutic pipeline.
Proven Track Record in Drug Development
Prior to joining Aligos, Dr. Wesson served as Head of CMC and Supply Chain at both Kezar Life Sciences and AN2 Therapeutics. Earlier in his career, he led drug substance development at Anacor Pharmaceuticals (search), where he played a crucial role in supporting the approval and commercial launches of two FDA-approved therapies: Kerydin® (tavaborole) and Eucrisa® (crisaborole).
Dr. Wesson completed his Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and obtained his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the same institution, providing him with a strong scientific foundation for his pharmaceutical development career.
Phase 2 Trial Preparation
"I am thrilled to join Aligos at this important time as we look to begin our Phase 2 study of ALG-000184 in mid-2025," stated Dr. Wesson. "I look forward to contributing my CMC expertise to our mission of improving patient outcomes in liver and viral diseases."
The timing of Dr. Wesson's appointment aligns with Aligos' preparation for its upcoming Phase 2 clinical trial of ALG-000184, representing a critical milestone in the company's development timeline. His expertise in CMC operations will be essential for ensuring the quality, safety, and regulatory compliance of the company's drug manufacturing processes.
Focus on High Unmet Medical Needs
Aligos Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that applies a science-driven approach and deep R&D expertise to advance its purpose-built pipeline of therapeutics. The company focuses on addressing high unmet medical needs in several key therapeutic areas, including chronic hepatitis B virus infection (search), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (search) (MASH (search)), and coronaviruses (search).
The company's mission centers on improving patient outcomes through the development of best-in-class therapies for liver and viral diseases, areas where current treatment options remain limited and patient needs are substantial.