Bivictrix Therapeutics PLC on Friday said it promoted its non-executive director to non-executive chair.

The biotechnology company focusing on cancer therapies said it promoted Michael Kauffmann to non-executive chair, after Iain Ross stepped down as non-executive chair to focus on other work commitments.

Kauffmann was appointed non-executive director last January and is a highly experienced cancer drug developer, Bivictrix said.

Bivictrix said Kaufffmann would draw on his previous experience as co-founder and chief executive officer of oncology company Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc, which he reportedly guided from a discovery stage biotechnology company to a commercial stage organisation with global approvals for its Xpovio product.

Kauffmann also led the Kyprolis development programme at Proteolix and then Onyx Pharmaceuticals, alongside the Velcade development programme at Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

‘With the recent identification of our lead candidate, the transition of Michael Kauffman to non-executive chairman of the board comes at a pivotal time in BiVictriX’s development. I am delighted to welcome Michael to his new role; no doubt his wealth of expertise across oncology drug development will continue to prove invaluable during the next stage of our progression,’ said Bivectrix CEO Tiffany Thorn.

‘I would like to also express gratitude on behalf of the whole company to Iain for his excellent support, taking us through from initial public offering to candidate identification and look forward to continuing to work alongside him as a valued member of our board.’

Kauffmann commented: ‘Having been a member of BiVictriX’s board over the past year, I have witnessed the company’s remarkable progress and am excited to step up to chairman at this stage of the company’s development.’

‘The Bi-Cygni platform is designed to optimise the potential of anti-drug conjugates by reducing off target-binding associated with toxicities and increasing tumour-selective killing. I am looking forward to BiVictriX progressing BVX001 into the clinic, where we hope to be differentiated by our delivery of key outcomes in cancer-selective therapies for the support of patients who currently have limited options.’

Kauffman also holds other non-executive board positions at Verastem Oncology, Adicet Bio and Kezar Life Sciences.

Shares in Bivictrix were down 12% to 15.00 pence each in London on Friday morning.

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