Parabilis Medicines, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on targeting historically "undruggable" cancer proteins, has appointed Fawzi Benzaghou, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer. The appointment comes as the company prepares for its first data disclosures at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress for its lead program FOG-001, the first direct inhibitor of β-cateninTCF4.
Strategic Leadership for Breakthrough Cancer Therapies
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Benzaghou will shape the overall clinical and regulatory strategy and operations for Parabilis, advancing a pipeline of first-in-class investigational therapies for rare and common cancers. His appointment positions the company to capitalize on what could represent a major scientific breakthrough in oncology.
"Our mission is to leverage the power of science and technology to systematically drug historically inaccessible targets and deliver high-impact medicines for patients with speed, precision and scientific rigor," said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, CEO & President of Parabilis Medicines. "Fawzi brings deep clinical expertise and an exceptional track record of advancing transformative therapies across modalities."
Targeting the "Undruggable" β-Catenin Pathway
The company's lead program, FOG-001, represents a significant scientific achievement as the first direct inhibitor of β-cateninTCF4, a transcriptional complex that plays a key role in colorectal cancer, desmoid tumors and other solid tumors. This pathway was long considered "undruggable," making successful clinical modulation a potential breakthrough with broad implications for oncology.
Dr. Benzaghou will also oversee development of the company's broader pipeline, including a targeted protein degrader of ERG and a selective degrader of active androgen receptor (AR), which could provide meaningful therapeutic approaches for patients with prostate cancer and other malignancies.
Proprietary Helicon Platform Technology
Parabilis' portfolio is enabled by its proprietary Helicon™ platform, a new class of stabilized, cell-penetrant alpha-helical peptides designed to modulate intracellular protein-protein interactions that traditional modalities cannot effectively engage. This technology platform allows the company to systematically target proteins previously considered inaccessible to drug development.
Proven Track Record in Oncology Development
Dr. Benzaghou brings extensive industry experience, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Oncology R&D at Ipsen. Under his leadership, the company achieved major milestones including numerous IND submissions and several significant regulatory approvals, including Cabometyx® (cabozantinib) across several solid tumor types including renal, hepatic, thyroid and neuroendocrine indications, as well as Onivyde® (Irinotecan liposome) in pancreatic cancer.
He previously held senior global roles at Ipsen including Vice President of Late-Stage Oncology, Vice President of Innovation Oncology, and Global Asset Lead for various oncology products. Prior to joining Ipsen in 2016, Dr. Benzaghou was Head of Development at a Europe-based clinical-stage biotech focused on oncology therapies, notably leading the successful European approval of a prostate cancer therapy.
"The opportunity to lead clinical development for a pipeline targeting some of the most intractable drivers of cancer – with a modality purpose-built to address them – is both rare and compelling," said Dr. Benzaghou. "I've been deeply impressed by the scientific rigor and patient-centered mindset at Parabilis and look forward to helping to advance the company's bold mission and deliver meaningful impact for patients in need."
A board-certified pediatric surgeon, Dr. Benzaghou practiced for several years at hospitals in France, including Necker Children's Hospital, before joining the pharmaceutical industry. He earned his medical degree from Paris University, a master's degree in strategy and management from ESSEC Business School, and an executive MBA from Harvard Business School. He is also a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and ESMO.
