Elicera Therapeutics Appoints Johan Liwing as New CEO to Advance Cell and Gene Therapy Pipeline
核心洞察
Elicera Therapeutics (搜索) AB, a clinical-stage cell and gene therapy company, has appointed Johan Liwing as its new CEO effective September 1, 2026.
Liwing brings over 20 years of pharmaceutical and biotech experience spanning oncology, cell therapy, business development, and capital raising.
He previously served as CEO of Lipigon Pharmaceuticals (搜索) and XNK Therapeutics (搜索), where he advanced programs to Phase 2 and established a GMP-certified cell therapy manufacturing facility.
Elicera Therapeutics (搜索) AB (publ), a clinical-stage cell and gene therapy company developing next-generation cancer treatments based on oncolytic viruses and CAR T-cell therapies armed with immune-activating properties via its commercially available iTANK platform, has appointed Johan Liwing as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026.
The appointment, announced on August 18, 2026, brings a leader with more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, including large pharmaceutical companies, startups, and listed companies. Liwing's expertise spans drug development, oncology, cell therapy, business development, and capital raising, with significant experience in cancer treatment areas relevant to Elicera.
Leadership Experience in Cell Therapy and Oncology
Liwing's most recent role was as CEO of Lipigon Pharmaceuticals (搜索), where he transformed the company's strategy, supported clinical development, and raised capital for the company's Phase 2a program. He also led business development at Lipigon, resulting in interest from several global pharmaceutical companies.
Prior to that, Liwing served as CEO of XNK Therapeutics (搜索), a company focused on the development of autologous NK-cell therapies. Under his leadership, the company grew from two people to 24 employees, its lead program advanced to Phase 2, and a GMP-certified manufacturing facility for cell therapy was established. During his tenure, collaborations were initiated with Sanofi, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Karolinska University Hospital, while the company raised approximately USD 20 million from investors in Sweden, Europe, and the US.
Before his roles in cell therapy and biotech, Liwing spent many years at Janssen (now Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine), holding both Nordic and global positions in hematology, market access, and strategic partnerships.
Board and Executive Perspectives
"Johan is an experienced pharma and biotech leader with a strong background in cell therapy, oncology, capital raising, team building and business development. He combines his experience from global pharma with insights gained as CEO of smaller biotech companies. He is a hands-on leader and a strong team builder with experience in raising capital and a track record of working in fast-paced, rapidly evolving companies," said Margareth Jorvid, Chair of the Board of Elicera Therapeutics (搜索).
"Developing a drug that actually has the potential to cure cancer patients is an exciting challenge. Drawing on my experience in building a cell therapy company and securing strategic partnerships, I hope, together with Elicera's already strong team, to take further steps forward for the benefit of both patients and shareholders," said Johan Liwing, incoming CEO of Elicera Therapeutics (搜索).
Transition and Compensation Arrangements
As part of the appointment, the CEO will purchase 355,000 warrants exercisable in three years at a price 50% above the volume-weighted average price over the last 20 trading days. The valuation was performed using the Black-Scholes model.
Outgoing CEO Jamal El-Mosleh will remain employed by the company until October 31 to ensure an orderly handover to Liwing.
Elicera Therapeutics (搜索) is a clinical-stage cell and gene therapy company developing next-generation cancer treatments based on oncolytic viruses and CAR T-cell therapies, armed with immune-activating properties via the company's commercially available iTANK platform.