WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - ProKidney Corp. (NASDAQ: PROK), a cellular therapeutics company specializing in chronic kidney disease (CKD), announced today the strategic expansion of its executive team with two key appointments aimed at advancing its Phase 3 clinical program and preparing for future product commercialization.
Dr. Ulrich Ernst assumes the role of Executive Vice President of Technical Operations, bringing over three decades of biopharmaceutical industry experience to the company. His expertise centers on process development, manufacturing, and facility oversight, particularly in the cell therapy space. Dr. Ernst's prior roles include Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Iovance Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ:IOVA), COO at Amunix Operating Inc., and Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at Cytovance Biologics.
Mr. Lucio Tozzi joined ProKidney as Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Operations on January 22, 2024. He also has over 30 years of experience, particularly in international drug development and clinical trial execution, having overseen more than 75 clinical studies across various therapeutic categories, including kidney disease.
Dr. Bruce Culleton, CEO of ProKidney, highlighted the significance of these appointments, stating that Dr. Ernst's track record in commercialization and Mr. Tozzi's extensive background in clinical trial execution are critical as the company progresses with its Phase 3 program and prepares for a Biologics License Application (BLA) submission. Both executives are expected to contribute significantly to the enrollment of patients in the PROACT 1 and PROACT 2 trials, which are integral to the late-stage clinical program.
ProKidney's lead product candidate, rilparencel, is an autologous cellular therapy that has received Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation and is currently being evaluated to potentially preserve kidney function in diabetic patients at high risk of kidney failure.
The information reported is based on a press release statement by ProKidney Corp.
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