Cyrus Mozayeni Appointed as Chair of LoQus23 Therapeutics' Board

LoQus23 Therapeutics Welcomes Cyrus Mozayeni as Chair of the Board

LoQus23 Therapeutics Ltd, a UK-based biotech firm focused on innovative treatments for Huntington's disease and other triplet repeat expansion disorders, has recently appointed Dr. Cyrus Mozayeni as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. This notable addition to the team comes on the heels of the company completing a robust £35 million Series A funding round, which aims to advance their allosteric small molecule MSH3 inhibitors into clinical studies.

Dr. Mozayeni brings with him an impressive portfolio, showcasing over 20 years of leadership in biotechnology and life sciences. Currently the CEO of Pheon Therapeutics, a company specializing in developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates for difficult-to-treat cancers, he successfully led a £120 million Series B financing in mid-2024. His extensive background in corporate strategy and business development is poised to provide invaluable guidance to LoQus23 at this pivotal moment.

Dr. David Reynolds, CEO of LoQus23 Therapeutics, expressed optimism regarding Dr. Mozayeni's appointment, stating, “Cyrus brings a wealth of world-class biotech expertise to guide us at this critical time.” His leadership is expected to bolster the company's progress towards IND-enabling studies of their promising small molecule therapies designed to combat Huntington's disease, characterized by neurodegeneration driven by pathogenic triplet expansions.

The unique scientific foundation of LoQus23's approach is gaining traction, reinforced by recent publications indicating the potential of targeting somatic CAG repeat expansion. Dr. Mozayeni noted the substantial promise embedded in LoQus23’s objectives and stated, “I look forward to working with the Board and the Leadership Team to help deliver the lead asset into the clinic and beyond.” He is hopeful that their cutting-edge treatments can significantly impact patients suffering from Huntington's and related diseases.

The company’s key project, a potent MSH3 inhibitor, is designed to mitigate DNA instability and slow down the neurodegenerative processes typically associated with these conditions. Huntington's disease presents a dire challenge, as it currently lacks disease-modifying treatments, impacting around 30,000 patients just in the United States. By creating oral small molecule therapies, LoQus23 aims to offer solutions that are not only effective but more convenient for patients.

LoQus23’s inception traces back to 2019, formed by three entrepreneurs in residence at SV Health Investors' Dementia Discovery Fund—Dr. David Reynolds, Dr. Caroline Benn, and Dr. Ruth McKernan, CBE, FMedSci. The company has since made substantial strides, particularly with the recent financial backing that sets the stage for clinical trials by 2026.

Dr. Mozayeni's history includes notable roles such as co-founder of both CODA Biotherapeutics and Oncorus, where he also took on leadership positions. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in Bluebird Bio, contributing to the advancement of a successful clinical-stage CAR T-cell program and an IPO.

The strategic direction of LoQus23 under Dr. Mozayeni's chairmanship carries the promise of not just advancing clinical trials but potentially redefining therapeutic approaches towards Huntington's disease and other serious conditions caused by triplet repeat expansions. As the company continues to develop and test their innovative drugs, the field eagerly anticipates the impact these therapies may hold for patients in desperate need of effective treatment options.