Circle Pharma Welcomes New Leaders to Boost Drug Discovery
Circle Pharma, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative cell-permeable macrocycles, has announced key additions to its leadership team. These appointments are vital as the company advances its promising oncology pipeline while leveraging its MXMO macrocycle platform. Recently, Marie Evangelista, Ph.D., joined the team as the Senior Vice President and Head of Cancer Biology. In addition, Constantine Kreatsoulas, Ph.D., has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery Technology Sciences. This reshaping of the executive team aligns strategically with Circle's goal of enhancing its pipeline of therapies, including its leading candidate, CID-078, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial for solid tumors.
Enhancing Drug Discovery and Scientific Leadership
David J. Earp, JD, Ph.D., President and CEO of Circle, noted that these strategic hires significantly boost the company’s drug discovery capabilities and scientific leadership. Earp expressed excitement about the progress of CID-078, Circle's first oral macrocycle in clinical trials, and emphasized the important roles that Marie and Constantine will play in guiding their respective teams. Their combined experience is expected to be crucial as Circle Pharma continues to expand its innovative therapies.
Marie Evangelista’s Expertise in the Field of Cancer Biology
Dr. Evangelista comes with extensive experience, having dedicated over 18 years to translational oncology and small molecule drug discovery. She spent a significant period at Genentech, leading advancements in KRAS-targeting programs. Holding a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Evangelista is eager to leverage her expertise at Circle Pharma. She remarked on the significance of her position during this essential phase of the company’s growth, emphasizing her dedication to creating transformative therapies for patients.
Constantine Kreatsoulas and the Advancement of Macrocycle Technologies
Dr. Kreatsoulas joined Circle Pharma in 2021 and has already made significant contributions, especially in developing the MXMO platform. Before his promotion, he held leadership roles at prominent pharmaceutical companies including GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co., where he gained crucial insights into molecular design and machine learning. As he transitions into his new role, he is enthusiastic about the technological innovations in macrocycles that Circle is pursuing.
About Circle Pharma, Inc.
Based in South San Francisco, Circle Pharma is devoted to enhancing the discovery and development of intrinsically cell-permeable macrocycles, capable of being administered through various routes, including orally. The proprietary MXMO™ platform utilizes advanced synthetic chemistry and structure-based drug design methodologies, paving the way for a new generation of macrocycle therapeutics. Currently, Circle Pharma's focus is on cyclins—key elements regulating the cell cycle with significant implications for cancer treatment. Their lead therapeutic candidate, CID-078, is presently in clinical trials and represents just a part of their expanding macrocycle therapeutic portfolio.
As Circle Pharma continues to innovate and grow, these leadership changes are set to drive significant progress in drug discovery and development. This proactive approach marks an exciting step towards meeting unmet clinical needs and improving outcomes for patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent changes occurred in Circle Pharma's leadership?
Circle Pharma appointed Marie Evangelista as Senior Vice President and Head of Cancer Biology, and promoted Constantine Kreatsoulas to Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery Technology Sciences.
What is Circle Pharma focused on developing?
Circle Pharma is focused on developing cell-permeable macrocycles for oncology therapies, using its MXMO platform to create innovative treatments addressing unmet clinical needs.
What is CID-078?
CID-078 is Circle Pharma's leading macrocycle therapy currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial that targets solid tumors.
What experience does Marie Evangelista bring to Circle Pharma?
Dr. Evangelista has over 18 years in translational oncology and drug discovery, including significant experience at Genentech, where she advanced KRAS-targeting programs.
How does Circle Pharma's MXMO platform work?
The MXMO platform merges structure-based drug design with advanced synthetic chemistry to develop new macrocycle therapies aimed at challenging drug targets.
