Alex Bastian Appointed as VP of Commercial Strategy at Memo Therapeutics AG
Memo Therapeutics AG (or “MTx”), a late-stage biotech firm committed to transforming unique human immune responses into effective treatments for viral infections and cancer, has announced the appointment of Alex Bastian as its new VP of Commercial Strategy.
Expertise in the Biotech Industry
Alex Bastian comes with extensive experience as a commercial leader in the biotech sector. His most recent role was at AM-Pharma, where he served as VP of Commercial & Patient Access, playing a crucial part in market access initiatives for a groundbreaking therapy aimed at treating acute kidney injury.
Previous Experience
Prior to his tenure at AM-Pharma, Alex was the VP and Head of Value & Market Access at Galapagos. There, he was instrumental in establishing a global function for market access, health economics, and policy, successfully launching a product in a highly competitive therapeutic area. His career includes several senior positions at major pharmaceutical companies, including Incyte Consulting, and spans both European and U.S. markets.
Company Growth and Future Prospects
Erik van den Berg, CEO of MTx, expressed his excitement about Alex joining the team, particularly as the company prepares for a Phase III trial targeting kidney transplant patients affected by BK virus infections. This upcoming trial represents a significant milestone toward commercial launch, and Alex's addition strengthens MTx's internal capabilities at a critical juncture.
Innovation in Treatment Solutions
Alex Bastian remarked, “With a best and first-in-class antibody for BK viremia, MTx provides new hope for patients who currently have no effective treatment options. I am thrilled to join a company with such an innovative asset and a robust technology platform, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at MTx.”
Educational Background and Recent Funding
Currently, Alex is completing a Doctor of Public Health degree at the esteemed Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. He also holds an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota.
Recently, Memo Therapeutics AG announced a successful funding round, raising an additional CHF 20 million, with new investments from Ysios Capital and Kurma Partners. This brings the total Series C funding to CHF 45 million. Earlier this summer, MTx also announced the appointment of Paul Carter as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, a role in which he brings over a decade of commercial experience in the virology sector, particularly from his time at Gilead Sciences.
About Memo Therapeutics AG
Memo Therapeutics AG is at the forefront of biotechnological innovation, actively developing unique strategies to combat viral infections and cancer through advanced therapies. Their lead product, Potravitug, currently in Phase II development, targets BK viremia in kidney transplant patients—representing a crucial innovation that addresses significant health challenges and aims for a market potential exceeding $1 billion.
The company's commitment extends beyond Potravitug; it is also exploring novel oncology targets and building partnerships to enhance its portfolio, having established a significant collaboration with Ono Pharmaceutical since late 2022. MTx's proprietary DROPZYLLA technology underpins their core assets, enabling high-throughput screening of antibody repertoires.
As a private entity based in Schlieren/Zurich, the company is supported by a diverse group of investors, including Ysios Capital, Kurma Partners, Pureos Bioventures, Swisscanto, Vesalius Biocapital, and Adjuvant Capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role has Alex Bastian taken on at Memo Therapeutics AG?
Alex Bastian has been appointed as the VP of Commercial Strategy at Memo Therapeutics AG.
What is the main focus of Memo Therapeutics AG?
Memo Therapeutics AG is focused on developing innovative treatments for viral infections and cancer, specifically through their lead program, Potravitug.
What is Potravitug?
Potravitug is an antibody therapy currently in Phase II development aimed at treating BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients.
Who is the CEO of Memo Therapeutics AG?
Erik van den Berg is the CEO of Memo Therapeutics AG.
How much funding has Memo Therapeutics AG recently secured?
Memo Therapeutics AG recently secured an additional CHF 20 million, bringing their total Series C financing to CHF 45 million.
