Altesa BioSciences Welcomes Dr. Katharine Knobil as New Chief Medical Officer

Altesa BioSciences Welcomes Dr. Katharine Knobil as Chief Medical Officer

Altesa BioSciences, a dynamic player in the pharmaceutical industry dedicated to combatting viral infections, has recently announced a significant addition to its executive team. Dr. Katharine Knobil, a seasoned expert with over 25 years in clinical development, has been appointed as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

Background of Dr. Katharine Knobil

Previously serving as the CMO at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Dr. Knobil has extensive experience in steering the clinical development and commercialization of various blockbuster pharmaceuticals. Her remarkable journey includes overseeing critical medical governance across numerous sectors, including pharmaceutical, vaccines, and consumer healthcare at GSK. Throughout her career, she has successfully led the development and launch of influential treatments for respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dr. Knobil’s track record in the industry is impressive, and her expertise is expected to guide Altesa’s innovative projects. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Knobil to Altesa, where she will lead the advanced clinical development of vapendavir for the treatment of rhinovirus infections in patients with COPD," said Dr. Brett Giroir, CEO of Altesa BioSciences.

Focus on Vapendavir

Vapendavir is an antiviral medication currently in advanced clinical trials designed specifically to target rhinovirus infections. This medicine has demonstrated potent efficacy against 97% of rhinoviruses, which are often responsible for severe respiratory complications in those with chronic conditions. The unique action of vapendavir not only hinders the virus’s ability to enter human cells but also prevents its reproduction, providing a promising pathway to protect some of the most vulnerable populations.

Dr. Knobil expressed her enthusiasm about the new role, stating, "I am excited to join the Altesa team at this key developmental stage of vapendavir. Our shared goal is to prevent both acute and chronic complications of viral infections in vulnerable individuals." Her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by COPD patients underlines Altesa’s mission to improve treatment outcomes and enhance quality of life.

The Challenge of COPD

COPD affects more than 16.4 million Americans, equating to approximately 6.6% of the adult population, making it one of the leading causes of mortality both in the U.S. and globally. With many of those affected coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, timely diagnosis and management are crucial yet often delayed, leading to grave health consequences.

In this context, Altesa BioSciences aims to leverage Dr. Knobil’s high-level insights to navigate the complexities of drug development for these patients, particularly in relation to their experiences with viral infections that can exacerbate COPD symptoms.

Dr. Knobil’s Vision in Medical Leadership

Dr. Knobil's leadership spans roles as the Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Kaleido Biosciences, followed by a position as the inaugural CMO at Agilent Technologies. Her career reflects a robust dedication to incorporating patient perspectives into medical strategy and decision-making processes, fostering a holistic view of healthcare that prioritizes outcomes and well-being.

Her board memberships with companies like Marker Therapeutics and Pliant Therapeutics further illustrate her commitment to innovation in healthcare and patient advocacy.

Conclusion: A Pioneering Step for Altesa BioSciences

With Dr. Katharine Knobil at the forefront, Altesa BioSciences is well-positioned to navigate the intricate landscape of pharmaceutical development, specifically targeting conditions impacting vulnerable populations. The collaborative vision shared by Altesa and Dr. Knobil could potentially herald a new era in the treatment of debilitating viral infections that exacerbate chronic health issues like COPD. Altesa is dedicated to developing impactful therapies amidst rising health challenges, and with Dr. Knobil’s experience, the company has taken a notable stride forward.

For more details about Altesa BioSciences and its initiatives, please visit Altesa’s website.