#USA #Tampa #Drug Discovery #TuHURA Biosciences #Bertrand Le Bourdonnec

Dr. Bertrand Le Bourdonnec Joins TuHURA Biosciences

TuHURA Biosciences, Inc., a phase 3 registration-stage immuno-oncology company, has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Bertrand Le Bourdonnec as the Executive Vice President, Head of Drug Discovery, Early Development, and Program Management. With a seasoned career spanning over two decades, Dr. Le Bourdonnec brings a wealth of experience in drug discovery and development, boasting an impressive track record that includes the advancement of 12 pre-clinical and clinical candidates, as well as seven investigational new drug applications.

Dr. Le Bourdonnec’s expertise primarily revolves around the biochemistry and pharmacology of the Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR), which serves as a critical target for TuHURA's innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) and Antibody Peptide Conjugate (APC) platforms. His groundbreaking work has demonstrated the potential of first-in-class spirocyclic DOR agonists for analgesic applications, with clinical-stage products successfully licensed to pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

Before his transition to TuHURA, Dr. Le Bourdonnec served as the Chief Scientific Officer and a Scientific Advisor at HDAX Therapeutics, where he was at the forefront of developing novel therapeutics aimed at addressing high unmet medical needs. His leadership there was instrumental in creating a sound research strategy that fueled the company’s successful seed funding round in September 2024.

His previous tenures include a significant role as the Vice President of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Pre-Clinical Sciences at Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, leading a skilled team of 31 scientists in pursuing novel kinase inhibitors through a proprietary platform. He also possesses extensive experience managing non-clinical development initiatives geared toward clinical-stage products.

Dr. James Bianco, President and CEO of TuHURA, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Le Bourdonnec’s appointment, underscoring that his unique qualifications and extensive experience particularly in DOR pharmacology will be invaluable in spearheading the company’s discovery efforts involving novel ADCs and APCs. These technologies aim to effectively target DOR on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to mitigate their immune-suppressing effects within the tumor microenvironment, which remains a significant barrier to successful cancer immunotherapy.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Le Bourdonnec stated, "I am thrilled to join the TuHURA team at this pivotal time in the Company’s evolution and look forward to playing an integral role in driving our pipeline forward with the goal of addressing outstanding medical needs to potentially transform the treatment paradigm for cancer patients."

TuHURA is currently preparing to initiate a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 registration trial for its lead candidate, IFx-2.0, aimed at overcoming primary resistance to checkpoint inhibitors—a common challenge in the administration of cancer therapies. The trial will evaluate IFx-2.0 in conjunction with Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) for advanced or metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

With a commitment to harnessing its innovations targeting the Delta Opioid Receptor technology, TuHURA is poised to develop promising solutions that inhibit MDSCs, addressing T cell exhaustion and acquired resistance, thus enhancing the overall efficacy of immunotherapy treatments. This strategic appointment positions TuHURA to continue making strides in the oncology field, with Dr. Le Bourdonnec at the helm of critical drug discovery operations.

For more information on TuHURA Biosciences and its pioneering work, visit tuhurabio.com or connect with them on social media platforms including Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.