As part of its ongoing strategic vision, Paragon Therapeutics, a leading biotechnology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, has made significant changes to its executive leadership team. This expansion is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the company's ambitious objectives in developing best-in-class complex biologics, which address significant medical needs. On August 21, 2025, Paragon Therapeutics announced that Mary Beth DeLena, J.D., is joining as the new Chief Legal Officer, while Keri Lantz, CPA, has ascended to the role of Chief Financial Officer, and Hussam Shaheen, Ph.D., is now the Chief Scientific Officer.
Mary Beth DeLena brings over 25 years of rich experience in the biotechnology sector, having specialized in various crucial areas such as corporate structure, governance, compliance, and finance. Her previous role as General Counsel at PepGen and her extensive background with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals underline her solid legal foundation and strategic insight. DeLena's expertise is expected to be pivotal in navigating the complex legal landscape that biotechnology firms encounter, particularly in the areas of company formation and scaling.
Keri Lantz, promoted to CFO, has been an integral part of the company since 2023, where she has significantly contributed to the establishment and expansion of Paragon's financial operations. With her experience in both public and private biotech companies, Lantz has been instrumental in developing financial frameworks that support the company's expansive partner ecosystem. The strategic vision she brings is aligned with the overall growth objectives of Paragon, emphasizing the importance of financial health in accelerating the development of innovative therapies.
Dr. Hussam Shaheen's promotion to Chief Scientific Officer highlights his crucial role in advancing Paragon's research and development capabilities. Under his leadership, Paragon has made significant strides, with over 18 development candidates initiated in just under four years, of which 11 are currently undergoing clinical trials. His ability to foster a collaborative and scientifically rigorous culture is seen as critical for the continued success and innovation at Paragon.
The recent changes in the executive lineup are complemented by the departure of Evan Thompson, Ph.D., who has chosen to pursue new opportunities outside the company. His contributions as the former Chief Operating Officer were substantial, helping to shape Paragon to its current stature within the industry. Susanna High, CEO of Paragon, expressed gratitude for Thompson's leadership and emphasized the company’s commitment to building a strong and diverse leadership team.
According to High, the changes reflect Paragon's ongoing commitment to its mission of developing transformative therapies and supporting their clinical advancement. The company is positioning itself for exciting new opportunities in the biotechnology space, reinforcing the need for a robust and capable leadership structure to navigate future challenges.
Since its inception in 2021, Paragon Therapeutics has made notable progress in developing innovative solutions tailored to meet pressing healthcare needs. The firm's approach combines advanced scientific principles with cutting-edge technology to deliver complex biologics that hold potential to reshape treatment paradigms in various medical fields. With a strong pipeline and an expanding portfolio of partners, the recent appointments are expected to further propel the company's success.
In conclusion, Paragon Therapeutics continues to demonstrate a forward-thinking vision and strategic alignment in strengthening its executive leadership. By appointing experienced professionals to key roles, the company aims not only to enhance its operational capabilities but also to further its mission of delivering impactful medical solutions to communities worldwide.
For more information on Paragon Therapeutics and its innovative work in biotechnology, visit
www.paragontherapeutics.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.