LIfT BioSciences Appoints New CEO as Company Prepares for Phase 1 Trial of Novel Neutrophil-Based Cancer Immunotherapy
Key Insights
LIfT BioSciences (search) appointed Dr. Bo Rode Hansen as interim CEO to lead the company's transition into clinical-stage development of its neutrophil-based immunotherapy platform.
The company is preparing to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of its IMAN (search)-based therapy targeting treatment-resistant cervical and head and neck cancers in early 2027.
LIfT's proprietary allogeneic Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (search) represent the world's only long-lived, off-the-shelf neutrophil-based immunotherapy with demonstrated tumor-penetrating capabilities.
LIfT BioSciences (search) announced the appointment of Dr. Bo Rode Hansen as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective January 7, 2026, as the London-based company prepares to advance its groundbreaking neutrophil-based immunotherapy into clinical trials. Dr. Hansen succeeds founder Alex Blyth, who will continue serving as a Board Director after stepping down from the CEO role.
The leadership transition comes as LIfT prepares to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of its lead IMAN (search)-based product targeting patients with treatment-resistant cancers (search). The company's lead program is on track to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in cervical cancer (search) and head and neck cancer (search) in early 2027.
Revolutionary Neutrophil-Based Platform
LIfT BioSciences (search) has developed what it describes as the world's only long-lived, off-the-shelf neutrophil-based immunotherapy based on proprietary allogeneic Immuno-Modulatory Alpha Neutrophils (search) (IMANs)®. The therapy harnesses neutrophils (search)' innate tumor-homing and infiltrating attributes, combined with their ability to directly kill cancer cells and orchestrate broader immune responses.
"LIfT has developed the world's only long-lived, off-the-shelf neutrophil-based immunotherapy backed by robust preclinical data demonstrating IMANs' potential to penetrate solid tumours and their inherent dual mechanism of cytotoxicity and potent immunomodulatory effects," said Dr. Hansen. "With the promise of our preclinical data and as we prepare for clinical development, I look forward to working with the talented team at LIfT to unlock a new frontier in solid tumour immunotherapy and potentially reshape outcomes for patients who currently have limited options."
The therapy offers an antigen-agnostic treatment option designed to overcome cancer resistance mechanisms, including suppressive tumor environments and immune evasion. The platform's scalable manufacturing process supports the development of a pipeline of therapeutics targeting hard-to-treat cancers.
Leadership Experience in Oncology Development
Dr. Hansen brings more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience at global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Roche, Genevant (search), and Santaris Pharma. His track record includes building and leading both private and public biopharmaceutical companies, with strategic planning experience across immunology, oncology, and rare disease indications.
Previously, Dr. Hansen served as CEO and President of Scandion Oncology, CEO and Founding President of Genevant (search) Sciences, Global Head of RNA Therapeutics at Roche pRED, and CEO and GM of Roche Innovation Centre Copenhagen. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board at TECregen and Heqet Therapeutics, and as a Member and Executive Advisor on the Board at Spirea Ltd.
"Bo's outstanding track record in leading and building cutting-edge life science companies brings tremendous value to LIfT. His strategic insights and business leadership come at the right time as we prepare for the next stage of clinical development," said Antonin de Fougerolles, Chairman of the Board at LIfT BioSciences (search).
Clinical Development Strategy
The company's approach targets treatment-resistant solid tumors (search) through neutrophils (search)' natural tumor-infiltrating capabilities. The proprietary long-lived IMANs are designed to penetrate solid tumors and deliver both direct cytotoxic effects and immunomodulatory responses that could overcome existing resistance mechanisms.
LIfT's platform represents a novel approach in the immunotherapy landscape, offering potential advantages for patients with limited treatment options. The company's deep neutrophil biology expertise supports the development of this first-in-class therapeutic approach.