BerGenBio Announces Appointment of New CEO, Olav Hellebø
Exciting changes are underway at BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing innovative AXL kinase inhibitors. The company has recently appointed Olav Hellebø as its new Chief Executive Officer. His selection represents an exciting opportunity for the company as it aims to further its mission to address severe unmet medical needs in healthcare.
Olav Hellebø: A Seasoned Leader in Biopharma
Olav Hellebø brings with him three decades of extensive experience in both the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His profound knowledge is expected to strengthen BerGenBio's position in the market significantly. Since 2023, Mr. Hellebø has served on the board of directors for Cytovation ASA, a company specializing in clinical-stage immuno-oncology. Additionally, he has held a board director position at Antev Ltd since 2021, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on urology and oncology.
Prior Leadership Roles
Mr. Hellebø has an impressive resume, having served as CEO for both ReNeuron Group PLC and Clavis Pharma ASA. His background includes pivotal roles at notable companies such as UCB-Celltech, Novartis UK, and Schering-Plough (now part of Merck & Co). This diverse experience makes him exceptionally suited to lead BerGenBio in its next phase of growth and clinical advancement.
Company's Future Plans Under New Leadership
Mr. Hellebø is passionate about advancing BerGenBio's innovative product pipeline. He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the board and team to drive forward the clinical development of the lead candidate drug, bemcentinib. This selective AXL inhibitor has the potential to play a vital role in treating patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who possess mutations in the STK11 gene.
Strategic Focus on Clinical Trials
BerGenBio is currently focused on evaluating bemcentinib in ongoing Phase 1b/2a trials that target STK11m NSCLC patients. The Chairman of the Board, Anders Tullgren, praised Hellebø's rich background and emphasized how his leadership will be instrumental in executing BerGenBio's strategy effectively, particularly in raising capital and securing key partnerships.
About BerGenBio ASA
As a company dedicated to developing transformative therapies for aggressive diseases, BerGenBio focuses on its proprietary drug candidate, bemcentinib. This innovative therapy is being studied not only for NSCLC but also for severe respiratory infections, underscoring the company's commitment to addressing pressing medical challenges. With its headquarters in Bergen and a subsidiary in Oxford, BerGenBio is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker BGBIO.
Commitment to Innovation and Development
BerGenBio's ambition to pioneer selective AXL inhibition signifies its potential to unlock new treatment avenues for patients. The team is dedicated to rigorous research and clinical development, ensuring that they remain at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation. With Olav Hellebø at the helm, the organization is poised for substantial progress in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of BerGenBio?
Olav Hellebø has been appointed as the new CEO of BerGenBio ASA.
2. What is the focus of BerGenBio ASA?
BerGenBio ASA focuses on developing AXL kinase inhibitors to treat severe unmet medical needs, including aggressive cancers and respiratory infections.
3. What experience does Olav Hellebø bring to BerGenBio?
Mr. Hellebø brings over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including leadership roles at several notable companies.
4. What is the lead candidate drug being developed by BerGenBio?
The lead candidate drug being developed by BerGenBio is bemcentinib, a selective AXL inhibitor targeting NSCLC patients.
5. Where is BerGenBio located?
BerGenBio is based in Bergen, Norway, and has a subsidiary in Oxford, UK.
