#Amsterdam #iOnctura #Elizabeth Holt #Mark Velleca #The Netherlands

iOnctura Strengthens Leadership with Key Appointments

In a significant move to bolster its executive team, iOnctura, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to tackling neglected and challenging cancers, has announced the appointments of Elizabeth Holt as its new Chief Business Officer (CBO) and Dr. Mark Velleca as Chair of the Board of Directors. This strategic reshuffling comes following a substantial financing round and reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its innovative pipeline.

Leadership Profiles

Elizabeth Holt, an accomplished figure in the life sciences arena, brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and business development. With a notable track record in the biopharmaceutical sector, Elizabeth co-founded Aiolos Bio Inc., a company aimed at addressing respiratory diseases, which was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in early 2024 for a staggering $1.4 billion. Her prior experiences include key roles at Gyroscope Therapeutics, which was acquired by Novartis in 2022 for up to $1.5 billion, underscoring her proficiency in steering companies through fundraising, mergers, and acquisitions.

Before her tenure in the biopharmaceutical field, she served as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, advising top-level executives on matters spanning strategy, organization, and mergers in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Holt holds an MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics, signifying her strong academic foundation in business and economics.

Dr. Mark Velleca, a seasoned veteran in the drug development landscape, has extensive experience in both executive roles and clinical practice. Currently the CEO and Board Chair of Black Diamond Therapeutics, he has previously held the position of CEO at G1 Therapeutics, leading the company to public listing and overseeing the development of its initial therapy, COSELA®, from the IND filing to FDA approval. Mark also co-founded CGI Pharmaceuticals, where he was pivotal in multiple drug candidates' clinical trials until Gilead Sciences acquired the company. He is a compassionate physician, having served at Yale New Haven Hospital and as a faculty member at the Yale School of Medicine.

Mark received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University, reflecting a robust educational background that complements his professional expertise.

Strategic Vision for iOnctura

Catherine Pickering, CEO and co-founder of iOnctura, expressed her enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, "Building a world-class leadership team is vital as we progress into the next phase of iOnctura. Elizabeth and Mark's extensive healthcare and corporate experience will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges ahead and further advance our innovative pipeline."

Elizabeth Holt mentioned that she was particularly attracted to iOnctura because of the leadership team’s pioneering spirit and the firm's progress in the development of roginolisib, a promising candidate for various oncology indications. "It's an exciting time to join them on this journey," she added, highlighting her eagerness to contribute to the company's mission.

Dr. Velleca echoed similar sentiments, expressing his admiration for iOnctura’s mission to redefine the landscape of PI3Kδ inhibitors through its lead asset, roginolisib. This drug is noted for its unique chemical structure and binding mode, representing a novel approach to the inhibition of the PI3Kδ pathway, with the potential to deliver clinical benefits without the adverse effects associated with previous inhibitors.

About iOnctura

Headquartered in Amsterdam, with a subsidiary based in Geneva, iOnctura is at the forefront of precision oncology, targeting neglected and hard-to-treat cancers. The company is dedicated to improving health outcomes for patients through its innovative lineup of first-in-class small molecules. Among its lead assets is roginolisib, currently undergoing multiple Phase II clinical trials aiming to tackle both solid and hematological malignancies.

Backed by a consortium of specialist institutional investors, including Syncona, M Ventures, and Inkef Capital, iOnctura's extensive pipeline and strategic leadership army are poised for significant advancements in oncology that hope to redefine patient care and treatment protocols.

As iOnctura embarks on this pivotal phase with enlightened leadership, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to effectuate groundbreaking changes in the fight against cancer.