Zenas BioPharma hires new R&D head and CMO

WALTHAM, Mass. - Zenas BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a market capitalization of approximately $345 million, announced today the appointment of Lisa von Moltke, M.D., as its new Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. von Moltke brings over three decades of experience in drug development, with expertise in autoimmune diseases, to the Zenas leadership team. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong liquidity position with more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though it’s currently experiencing rapid cash burn as it advances its development programs.

The company’s CEO, Lonnie Moulder, expressed enthusiasm for Dr. von Moltke’s proven leadership and extensive experience, which includes successful navigation of products through development and global regulatory approvals. Dr. von Moltke’s immediate focus will be on advancing Zenas’s lead product candidate, obexelimab, through critical Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for autoimmune diseases such as IgG4-related disease, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. With analyst price targets ranging from $19 to $45 per share, InvestingPro subscribers can access detailed analysis of the company’s growth potential and financial health metrics.

Dr. von Moltke’s career includes significant roles at Seres Therapeutics, Alkermes, Inc., and Sanofi/Genzyme Corporation. She has also served as President of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology and as Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. She holds a B.A. from Wellesley College and an M.D. from Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine.

Obexelimab, Zenas’s flagship product, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit the activity of B cells implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. Dr. von Moltke highlighted the treatment’s unique mechanism and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen as potential differentiators in the chronic autoimmune disease treatment landscape.

The company’s strategic approach focuses on acquiring and developing product candidates that can offer superior clinical benefits to patients with autoimmune diseases. Zenas’s commitment to this goal is underscored by the addition of Dr. von Moltke to its executive team.

This announcement is based on a press release statement from Zenas BioPharma, Inc. and contains forward-looking statements regarding the company’s future plans and the potential of its product candidate, obexelimab. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Recent market data shows the stock has gained nearly 17% in the past week, though it remains approximately 53% below its six-month high. InvestingPro analysis indicates the stock is currently trading near its Fair Value, with additional insights and financial metrics available to subscribers.

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