Immunic Welcomes Experienced Biopharmaceutical Leader Michael W. Bonney as New Chair

Immunic Welcomes Michael W. Bonney as Chair of the Board

Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a pioneering biotechnology company focusing on innovative oral therapies for neurological diseases, has announced the appointment of Michael W. Bonney as Chair of its Board of Directors effective May 16, 2026. Bonney steps into the role following Simona Skerjanec, who will continue her contributions to the board after serving as Interim Chairperson.

Bonney joins Immunic with a wealth of experience, boasting over 30 years in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and central nervous system (CNS) conditions. His most notable achievement includes his pivotal role in launching and successfully commercializing Avonex®, one of the first therapies widely adopted for treating relapsing forms of MS. This success significantly bolstered Biogen's reputation as a leader in neurology.

Following his impactful tenure at Biogen, where he held various senior commercial leadership positions, Bonney served as Chief Executive Officer of Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Under his decade-long leadership, Cubist experienced notable growth, most prominently marked by the successful commercial launch of its antibiotic, Cubicin®, and the subsequent acquisition of the firm by Merck & Co. for a remarkable $9.5 billion. His previous tenure at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals for over ten years culminated in his role as National Business Director, contributing further to his extensive portfolio.

Mike Bonney’s board experience is equally impressive. In addition to his new role at Immunic, he currently chairs the boards of Autolus Therapeutics plc, Dunad Therapeutics LTD, and Santa Ana Bio, Inc., and has served as board member or chair for several notable companies including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Celgene Corporation. His involvement across these companies showcases his unwavering commitment to advancing innovative therapies through their late-stage development and commercialization processes.

In welcoming Bonney, Simona Skerjanec noted, "I would like to personally welcome Mike as the Chair of the Board at what is, without question, a defining stage of growth for Immunic. His extensive biotech experience and success during his career, particularly his MS expertise from launching Avonex®, will be instrumental as we push forward with the development of vidofludimus calcium toward regulatory approval and market readiness."

As part of his introduction to Immunic, Bonney expressed enthusiasm about joining the company during such a critical phase. He anticipates the forthcoming data from the phase 3 ENSURE trials for vidofludimus calcium in relapsing MS, alongside plans for a phase 3 development program in primary progressive MS. Bonney emphasized the significance of vidofludimus calcium's potential, highlighting its unique combination of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties, which could set it apart within the MS treatment landscape.

Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Immunic, stated, "On behalf of everyone at Immunic, I want to thank Simona for her effective leadership as Interim Chairperson and her continuing role on our board. Mike brings invaluable executive experience from Cubist and his success in establishing Avonex® as a cornerstone therapy in MS will undoubtedly support Immunic as we transition into a fully integrated commercial-stage company."

Immunic, Inc. is currently developing its lead therapy, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), which is in phase 3 trials targeting relapsing multiple sclerosis, with anticipated top-line results expected by the close of 2026. Preliminary phase 2 trials have already indicated therapeutic efficacy in treating various forms of MS and other diseases. The compound operates through its mechanism as a first-in-class Nurr1 activator, combined with anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). Immunic's pipeline further includes earlier-stage projects like IMU-856 and IMU-381, aimed at addressing neurodegenerative diseases, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.

In conclusion, the appointment of Michael W. Bonney as Chair marks a significant milestone for Immunic as it heads into numerous pivotal trials and regulatory challenges ahead. The firm’s commitment to advancing innovative therapeutics unique in action and efficacy symbolizes a promising venture into the future of biopharmaceutical innovations.