SOTIO Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company owned by PPF Group, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of Amy Jensen-Smith, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer and Ulrich Moebius, Ph.D., as Chief Development Officer. The appointments are designed to support the continued advancement of SOTIO's pipeline of novel antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapies targeting difficult-to-treat solid tumors.
"We are fortunate to have such exceptional scientific talent within SOTIO to lead the continued progress and expansion of our portfolio of next-generation ADCs and immunotherapies," said Radek Spisek, chief executive officer of SOTIO. "Amy's proven record of scientific excellence and innovation as vice president has been instrumental in advancing our pipeline and guiding our scientific strategy."
Key Leadership Appointments Drive ADC Development
Dr. Jensen-Smith, who previously served as vice president of SOTIO US and head of discovery, has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's scientific direction since joining in 2020. Under her leadership, SOTIO has advanced multiple programs from concept to candidate selection and filed several provisional patents while establishing a strategic focus on ADCs targeting solid tumors.
Her contributions have been particularly significant in developing SOTIO's current lead preclinical ADC candidates, SOT106 and SOT109, which have demonstrated strong efficacy and safety data in mesenchymal tumors and colorectal cancer respectively. Dr. Jensen-Smith was also instrumental in overseeing the development of new therapeutics using SOTIO's BOXR technology platform.
In her new role as CSO, Dr. Jensen-Smith will oversee all discovery and preclinical research efforts globally, driving forward SOTIO's commitment to scientific innovation. Prior to joining SOTIO, she held leadership roles at bluebird bio, where she advanced novel CAR and TCR T cell therapy programs and managed key external partnerships.
Extensive Development Experience Strengthens Pipeline Execution
Dr. Moebius brings over 25 years of experience in advancing drug candidates from early research through nonclinical development and into clinical trials. He previously served as chief of preclinical development at SOTIO from 2017 to 2024, where he led IND-enabling efforts across multiple therapeutic platforms.
"Ulrich has long been at the center of our development strategy, and his leadership of our preclinical organization makes him uniquely qualified to serve as chief development officer," Spisek noted. "Their deep history with SOTIO and many accomplishments across discovery, development, and execution give me full confidence that they will continue to drive our mission forward and deliver meaningful impact for patients."
Throughout his career, Dr. Moebius has held leadership roles at MediGene, Morphosys, and Pieris, overseeing nonclinical development, R&D strategy, and project management. He has been responsible for the successful transition of multiple oncology and autoimmune drug candidates into the clinic, including studies for cell vaccines and biologics.
Current Pipeline and Clinical Progress
SOTIO is currently advancing an innovative pipeline of mono- and bispecific solid tumor ADC programs at various stages of preclinical development. The company's lead candidates include SOT106 for the treatment of LRRC15+ sarcomas and other solid tumors, and SOT109 for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Additionally, SOT201, a next-generation PD-1-targeting immunocytokine, is being evaluated in the Phase 1 VICTORIA-01 study for patients with solid tumors, representing the company's most advanced clinical program.
The leadership appointments come as SOTIO continues to focus on translating compelling science into patient benefit through its portfolio of cancer immunotherapies targeting solid tumors, an area of significant unmet medical need in oncology.
