CalciMedica's Strategic Board Appointment
On January 15, 2025, CalciMedica Inc. made a significant addition to its leadership by appointing Dr. Alan Glicklich, a seasoned professional in the biotechnology sector, to its Board of Directors. This move aligns with CalciMedica's mission as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on innovative therapies targeting calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels, which are pivotal for addressing acute and chronic inflammatory and immunological conditions.
Dr. Glicklich joins CalciMedica after over two decades of extensive experience in the biotech industry, currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Nuvig Therapeutics. His wealth of knowledge in clinical development is expected to be a tremendous asset as CalciMedica progresses from successful Phase 2 trials to potential Phase 3 trials with its lead therapeutic candidate, Auxora. Notably, this candidate has provided promising results for patients suffering from acute pancreatitis and acute kidney injury—conditions for which existing treatments remain insufficient.
Rachel Leheny, Ph.D., the CEO of CalciMedica, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Glicklich's appointment, stating that his expertise in inflammatory and immunologic diseases will add considerable depth to the Board. "As we advance Auxora towards pivotal clinical trials and simultaneously gather data from our ongoing KOURAGE trial, Dr. Glicklich's insights will be invaluable," she noted.
Dr. Glicklich previously held leadership roles at various biopharmaceutical firms, including Chinook Therapeutics and Bird Rock Bio. His notable contributions include overseeing the clinical development of new therapies for rare chronic kidney diseases and leading the creation of strategic clinical trials for monoclonal antibodies in inflammation and fibrosis management.
With such a strong background, Dr. Glicklich has articulated his enthusiasm for CalciMedica's ambitious vision. He highlighted the positive efficacy data from Auxora's past clinical trials, which have demonstrated a significant reduction in organ failure among patients with acute inflammatory diseases. He remarked, "The findings related to organ failure reduction in acute conditions are crucial, especially in diseases like pancreatitis and acute kidney injury where therapy options are limited. I am eager to collaborate with the CalciMedica team to develop these essential therapies for healthcare markets."
CalciMedica's Promising Pipeline
Founded by experts from Torrey Pines Therapeutics and the Harvard CBR Institute, CalciMedica’s proprietary focus on CRAC channel inhibitors showcases its commitment to advancing treatments for critical health issues. The company is pioneering Auxora, which has already shown strong clinical efficacy in multiple trials, including a Phase 2b trial for patients with acute pancreatitis and ongoing studies targeting associated severe complications.
Clinical Trials and Future Directions
As part of its robust research agenda, CalciMedica has embarked on several clinical trials, including the CARPO trial investigating Auxora in acute pancreatitis and the KOURAGE trial assessing its effectiveness in acute kidney disease patients. With an anticipated report due in 2025 for the KOURAGE trial and continuous efforts in pediatric studies regarding asparaginase-induced pancreatic toxicity, CalciMedica is at the forefront of developing much-needed therapies in this space.
Through well-conceived appointments to its leadership and a clear focus on patient outcomes, CalciMedica demonstrates its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and advancing the science of immunology and inflammation management. By leveraging the expertise of seasoned professionals like Dr. Glicklich, CalciMedica is poised to enhance its clinical impact and contribute significantly to the biotechnology landscape.
For further information about CalciMedica and its groundbreaking developments, visit
CalciMedica's official website.