In Memoriam: Remembering Les Goldman, a Pillar of Northwest Biotherapeutics
On August 18, 2025, Northwest Biotherapeutics, a prominent name in the biotechnology sector, announced the passing of its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Mr. Les Goldman, who died from a stroke. Mr. Goldman played a crucial role in the company's mission to develop innovative DCVax® personalized immune therapies aimed at combatting solid tumor cancers. His dedication and leadership have had a significant impact not only on the company but also on the patients and shareholders it serves.
The news of Mr. Goldman's death comes as a profound loss to everyone at Northwest Biotherapeutics. He had been with the organization for many years, tirelessly advocating for the advancement of cancer therapies that prioritize safety and efficacy while minimizing the toxicities commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy. His unwavering commitment made him a beloved figure within the company, as well as an asset to the larger cancer treatment community.
NW Bio's development of its flagship product, DCVax®, stands as a testament to the groundwork laid by Goldman and his colleagues. The company's approach utilizes dendritic cell-based vaccines aimed at personalizing treatment for cancer patients, leading to the hope of more effective therapeutic options. Their lead product, DCVax®-L, is specifically designed to target glioblastoma (GBM), a notably aggressive type of brain cancer, for which standardized treatments have historically yielded limited success.
Les Goldman's influence within the biotechnology arena transcended the technical aspects of cancer treatment. He was known for his profound empathy for patients and their families, guiding the company's strategic directions with both compassion and legal acumen. As NW Bio enters a new chapter following his passing, many of his responsibilities will be managed by existing members of the management team. The company has already reaffirmed its commitment to continue pushing forward with its innovative research and development efforts.
The biotechnology industry has occasionally struggled to keep pace with the evolving demands of healthcare, and Mr. Goldman was firm in his belief that personalized immunotherapy, like that offered by DCVax®, holds the potential to redefine cancer treatment. Under his counsel, Northwest Biotherapeutics has made significant strides, including the completion of a 331-patient Phase III trial of DCVax-L for GBM, and the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for approval in the United Kingdom, which is currently under review.
Goldman’s impact extended beyond product development, as he often advocated for broader access to innovative therapies for the patient populations most in need. His work on previous trials, such as the Phase I/II investigations with DCVax-L for advanced ovarian cancer, exemplified his dedication to realizing better treatment options for rare and aggressive cancers.
The company’s future seems bright, with ongoing projects and an evolving pipeline, and yet the void left by Goldman’s passing will be felt keenly. Mr. Goldman is survived by his family, and the company extends its heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the staff at Northwest Biotherapeutics to strive for groundbreaking advancements in the field of oncology and patient care.
Northwest Biotherapeutics remains focused on finalizing the processes that streamline the introduction of DCVax into the market, determined to lead transformative changes in the way cancers are treated. The commitment to innovate and to improve patient lives will stand as a tribute to the late Les Goldman and his vision for a future where cancer can be treated more effectively and compassionately.
As the biotech community continues to rally in the fight against cancer, the memory of Les Goldman will serve as a reminder of the dedication required to make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. Today, the industry remembers a consummate professional and a compassionate advocate—one who will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
The news of Mr. Goldman's death comes as a profound loss to everyone at Northwest Biotherapeutics. He had been with the organization for many years, tirelessly advocating for the advancement of cancer therapies that prioritize safety and efficacy while minimizing the toxicities commonly associated with traditional chemotherapy. His unwavering commitment made him a beloved figure within the company, as well as an asset to the larger cancer treatment community.
NW Bio's development of its flagship product, DCVax®, stands as a testament to the groundwork laid by Goldman and his colleagues. The company's approach utilizes dendritic cell-based vaccines aimed at personalizing treatment for cancer patients, leading to the hope of more effective therapeutic options. Their lead product, DCVax®-L, is specifically designed to target glioblastoma (GBM), a notably aggressive type of brain cancer, for which standardized treatments have historically yielded limited success.
Les Goldman's influence within the biotechnology arena transcended the technical aspects of cancer treatment. He was known for his profound empathy for patients and their families, guiding the company's strategic directions with both compassion and legal acumen. As NW Bio enters a new chapter following his passing, many of his responsibilities will be managed by existing members of the management team. The company has already reaffirmed its commitment to continue pushing forward with its innovative research and development efforts.
The biotechnology industry has occasionally struggled to keep pace with the evolving demands of healthcare, and Mr. Goldman was firm in his belief that personalized immunotherapy, like that offered by DCVax®, holds the potential to redefine cancer treatment. Under his counsel, Northwest Biotherapeutics has made significant strides, including the completion of a 331-patient Phase III trial of DCVax-L for GBM, and the submission of a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for approval in the United Kingdom, which is currently under review.
Goldman’s impact extended beyond product development, as he often advocated for broader access to innovative therapies for the patient populations most in need. His work on previous trials, such as the Phase I/II investigations with DCVax-L for advanced ovarian cancer, exemplified his dedication to realizing better treatment options for rare and aggressive cancers.
The company’s future seems bright, with ongoing projects and an evolving pipeline, and yet the void left by Goldman’s passing will be felt keenly. Mr. Goldman is survived by his family, and the company extends its heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the staff at Northwest Biotherapeutics to strive for groundbreaking advancements in the field of oncology and patient care.
Northwest Biotherapeutics remains focused on finalizing the processes that streamline the introduction of DCVax into the market, determined to lead transformative changes in the way cancers are treated. The commitment to innovate and to improve patient lives will stand as a tribute to the late Les Goldman and his vision for a future where cancer can be treated more effectively and compassionately.
As the biotech community continues to rally in the fight against cancer, the memory of Les Goldman will serve as a reminder of the dedication required to make a real difference in the lives of patients and their families. Today, the industry remembers a consummate professional and a compassionate advocate—one who will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
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