#USA #Boston #cancer therapies #Alpha-9 Oncology #Paul Blanchfield

Alpha-9 Oncology Bolsters Leadership with New CEO

In a significant move for the development of targeted cancer therapies, Alpha-9 Oncology has announced the appointment of Paul Blanchfield as the new Chief Executive Officer. Blanchfield, who joins the company with over 15 years of leadership experience in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, will also take a position on the Board of Directors.

This change comes at a critical juncture for Alpha-9, a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical company renowned for its focus on therapies that specifically target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. The company aims to push the boundaries of cancer treatment through groundbreaking research and innovative drug development.

“Paul brings exceptional operational experience and deep industry expertise in radiopharma - making him an ideal fit to lead our team at this pivotal moment,” stated Patrick Heron, Chairman of the Board of Alpha-9 Oncology. Heron highlighted Blanchfield’s robust background in both commercial and scientific realms as essential for propelling Alpha-9 forward in its ambitious goal to advance clinical programs.

Blanchfield's prior role as President of Lantheus involved overseeing critical aspects of the company, including commercial initiatives, research and development, medical operations, and technical services. His leadership at Lantheus was marked by success, indicating that he is well-equipped to steer Alpha-9 into its next growth phase.

At Alpha-9, Blanchfield expressed enthusiasm about joining a company at the forefront of radiopharmaceutical innovation. “I am honored to join this talented team at such an exciting time for the company, as we accelerate a pipeline of first and best-in-class clinical-stage assets that have the potential to significantly improve the treatment of those living with cancer,” he remarked.

Alpha-9 Oncology recently experienced a surge in momentum, highlighted by a successful $175 million Series C financing round. This investment was led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Ascenta Capital, and it's expected to bolster the company’s efforts in developing its clinical assets further. The financing will play a vital role in the advancement of their current candidates through early clinical studies, which could lead to substantial breakthroughs in cancer treatment.

Before his tenure at Lantheus, Blanchfield held senior roles at two major pharmaceutical companies: Takeda and Shire Pharmaceuticals. His positions ranged from Head of U.S. Immunology to General Manager for the Nordics-Baltics, which equipped him with a diverse skill set ideally suited for leading a company at the cusp of scientific breakthroughs.

Academically, Blanchfield is well-qualified with an MBA and a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University, in addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University. His well-rounded background prepares him to address both the business and scientific challenges that Alpha-9 may face as it strives to advance its innovative therapies.

As Alpha-9 Oncology increasingly positions itself as a leader in the cancer treatment landscape, the appointment of Paul Blanchfield as CEO is seen as a strategic step toward fulfilling its mission. With a robust pipeline of differentiated radiopharmaceuticals, Alpha-9 is poised to make a meaningful impact on patients battling cancer, aiming to provide them with highly targeted and effective treatment options that minimize adverse effects.

For those following the evolution of cancer therapies, Alpha-9 Oncology stands as a company to watch, especially under the seasoned guidance of Blanchfield, whose leadership experience and vision are expected to drive the company toward transformative achievements in the field of oncology.