#Japan #Kyoto #Shinobi Therapeutics #Luis Borges #Steven Katz

Shinobi Therapeutics Gets a Leadership Boost

In a significant move that aims to bolster its mission, Shinobi Therapeutics has made several key leadership appointments that will propel the development of innovative immune-evasive cell therapies. The biotech company, known for its pioneering iPSC technology, recently appointed Dr. Luis Borges as the first Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Dr. Steven Katz as its first Chief Medical Officer (CMO). These appointments come at a crucial time for Shinobi as it gears up for clinical trials targeting solid tumors and autoimmune disorders.

New Leadership and Responsibilities

Dr. Luis Borges brings over 28 years of experience in scientific and executive leadership. Before joining Shinobi, he served as CSO at Century Therapeutics, where he played a pivotal role in advancing its first iPSC-derived product candidate into Phase I clinical trials. As CSO, Dr. Borges will oversee research and development efforts across Shinobi’s operations in the U.S. and Japan, focusing on the company’s revolutionary cell therapy pipeline.

In parallel, Dr. Steven Katz will serve as CMO, contributing more than 15 years of clinical oncology leadership experience to Shinobi. Dr. Katz's track record includes leading influential clinical trials and developing novel immunotherapy approaches for complex tumors such as those found in the liver and pancreas. Within his role, he will emphasize transforming the company's immune evasion technology into tangible treatments for patients.

Expansion of the Scientific Advisory Board

Alongside the leadership changes, Shinobi has expanded its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) by adding two leading figures in cell therapy. Dr. Katy Rezvani, known for her work in CAR-NK cell immunotherapy, and Dr. Georg Schett, a pioneer in applying CAR-T therapies to autoimmune diseases, have joined the SAB, enhancing the board's capacity to guide Shinobi in its strategic goals. Current board member Dr. Carl June also adds significant expertise, especially in the area of CAR-T cell therapies.

CEO Dan Kemp expressed excitement about these appointments, stating that they represent a turning point for Shinobi. He affirmed, “The addition of Luis and Steven is a game-changer for Shinobi. Their deep expertise in cell therapy development and clinical execution will fast-track our mission to bring scalable, immune-evasive therapies to patients battling solid tumors and autoimmune diseases worldwide.”

Securing Funding and Strategic Partnerships

Shinobi’s recent leadership appointments are part of a broader strategy that includes significant funding achievements and strategic collaborations. The company secured a $59 million grant from AMED, raising its total funding to $119 million, which will facilitate the advancement of its clinical trials. Furthermore, partnerships with Panasonic aim to optimize manufacturing processes, while a collaboration with Anocca focuses on the development of TCR-engineered iPS-T cell therapies.

A Future Beyond Cancer

With the addition of these new leaders and a robust pipeline in place, Shinobi is setting itself up for a promising future. Its innovative approach allows for hypoimmune iPSC-derived NK and T cells, which are designed to work alongside the patient’s immune system rather than against it. This transition from autologous treatments to scalable off-the-shelf solutions could significantly redefine treatment paradigms for diverse patient populations dealing with solid tumors and autoimmune diseases.

In summation, Shinobi Therapeutics is more than just a biotechnology company; it is a beacon of hope for patients facing some of the most challenging diseases today. As it shifts into high gear with experienced leadership and groundbreaking technology, the community eagerly anticipates the potential breakthroughs that lie ahead.