#USA #New York #Olatec Therapeutics #Andy Cunningham #NLRP3 Inhibitors

Andy Cunningham Joins Olatec Therapeutics Board of Directors

Olatec Therapeutics, Inc., a prominent player in the innovative field of NLRP3 inhibitors, has announced a significant new addition to its Board of Directors. Andy Cunningham, who boasts a remarkable 40-year career in strategic communication and marketing, has joined the Board. Cunningham's extensive expertise spans a multitude of sectors, including technology and healthcare, marking an exciting period for Olatec as it advances its innovative therapies aimed at chronic inflammation.

Cunningham’s storied career began in Silicon Valley in the early 1980s, where she played a pivotal role in the launch of Apple’s Macintosh while working at Regis McKenna, Inc., alongside Steve Jobs. In the years that followed, she founded Cunningham Communications, Inc., providing strategic marketing and PR insights to high-profile clients, including the launch of Jobs' new company, NeXT, as well as assisting in the acquisition of Pixar. Her impressive portfolio includes partnerships with major corporations such as Adobe, Cisco, Facebook, Google, and more.

In her new role at Olatec, Cunningham is expected to leverage her rich background in branding and stakeholder engagement to further elevate the company’s visibility and mission. Damaris Skouras, Chairman and CEO of Olatec, expressed her confidence in Cunningham’s ability to enhance the company’s strategic direction, particularly in terms of positioning dapansutrile as a leader in the emerging NLRP3 inhibitor class. “Olatec has made significant strides in positioning dapansutrile at the forefront of the emerging NLRP3 inhibitor class. Over the past year, Andy has worked closely with us to build a marketing foundation to amplify this mission and enhance our visibility among key stakeholders,” said Skouras.

Cunningham’s contributions extend beyond corporate boards; she is also a trustee of the Aspen Institute and The Computer History Museum and counsels several startups in the AI and healthcare sectors. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, having taught marketing at prestigious institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Carnegie Mellon, and Northwestern.

“I am honored to join Olatec's Board of Directors at this pivotal stage in the Company's growth,” Cunningham stated. She emphasized the importance of Olatec’s mission to transform groundbreaking scientific research into effective therapeutics for chronic inflammation, which she believes could have a significant positive impact on human health.

Olatec Therapeutics, established as a clinical-stage biotech company, focuses on developing innovative therapies for chronic inflammation, with its leading candidate dapansutrile being a specific NLRP3 inhibitor. This therapy is currently in advanced stages of clinical development, targeting numerous conditions including arthritis, diabetes, neuroinflammatory diseases, and cancer. The progress of dapansutrile is notable, with promising early clinical data showcasing its potential to safely modulate the immune system and restore balance—a crucial element in treating or preventing disease progression.

The ongoing clinical trials for dapansutrile are being conducted in collaboration with renowned international medical institutions such as Duke Cancer Institute, NYU Langone, University of Cambridge, and University of Basel, further highlighting the drug's robust safety profile and clinical efficacy.

As Olatec Therapeutics chart its next steps in this critical development phase, the inclusion of Andy Cunningham is seen as a game changer. With her vast experience and innovative approach to marketing and communication in the health and technology sectors, the company is well-positioned to expand its reach and fulfill its mission of delivering groundbreaking therapeutics that address chronic inflammation.

As the landscape of healthcare continues to evolve, the strategic insights and leadership that Cunningham brings to Olatec will undoubtedly be an asset to the company and its groundbreaking work in the field of biotechnology. The industry watches closely as Olatec and its new Board member embark on this journey together.