#Israel #Immunotherapy #Biond Biologics #Misgav #Giovanni Selvaggi

Biond Biologics Enhances Leadership with New CMO

Biond Biologics Ltd. has made a significant stride in bolstering its leadership by appointing Dr. Giovanni Selvaggi as its Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This move comes at a pivotal time for the company, which specializes in developing innovative immunotherapies aimed at treating cancer and immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Selvaggi is set to harness his extensive experience to further the advancement of Biond's promising therapeutic pipeline, specifically focusing on their clinical programs BND-67 and BND-22.

A Wealth of Experience

Dr. Selvaggi is no stranger to the complex world of oncology and drug development. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully navigated global clinical programs for various novel cancer therapies, leading them from research stages through to regulatory approvals. His vast knowledge encompasses immuno-oncology, target-specific therapies, cancer vaccines, and innovative viral therapies, which will be invaluable to Biond’s mission.

Before joining Biond, Dr. Selvaggi held the role of CMO at Xcovery Holdings, where he masterminded the clinical development strategies for ensartinib, particularly during its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials and interactions with the FDA. Additionally, his tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb significantly contributed to the advancement of immuno-oncology programs focusing on various lung cancers, which ultimately led to regulatory filings that have had lasting impacts on cancer treatment.

Prior to his experience with major pharmaceutical companies, Dr. Selvaggi served in senior roles at Novartis Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Oncolytics Biotech, and Imugene, demonstrating a consistent track record of bringing innovative therapies to market. His clinical acumen is further underscored by his board certification as a pulmonologist and specialist in thoracic oncology, wherein he dedicated more than ten years to patient care and clinical research in lung cancer at prominent institutions in Italy.

Advancing Biond's Mission

Dr. Tehila Ben Moshe, Co-Founder and CEO of Biond Biologics, expressed her enthusiasm about Dr. Selvaggi's appointment during a company announcement. "We are thrilled to welcome Giovanni to Biond at such a transformative point in our growth. With two distinct clinical-stage immunotherapy programs emerging, specifically BND-22 and upcoming studies for BND-67, Giovanni's oncology expertise and leadership in immuno-oncology will bolster our clinical strategies and drive our unique pipeline to realization."

The two programs mentioned are crucial to Biond’s innovative approach in oncology. BND-22 is a revolutionary antibody functioning as a multi-cell checkpoint inhibitor targeting the ILT2 receptor, currently progressing through Phase 2 trials. This therapy augments anti-tumor activities across both innate and adaptive immune cells, presenting a robust option for patients battling solid tumors.

Conversely, BND-67 seeks to redefine T-cell modulation by targeting a novel immune evasion mechanism—CD28 shedding. By restoring physiological signaling for CD28, BND-67 aims to enhance effector T-cell activities while simultaneously inhibiting regulatory T-cell functions, fostering a sustainable and potent anti-tumor response. As the program prepares for its Phase 1 clinical trial scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, the implications of this therapy could prove revolutionary.

Closing Thoughts

In reflecting on his new position, Dr. Selvaggi shared, "I'm excited to join the Biond team at such a crucial development phase. Biond has established a compelling pipeline based on novel biological insights and mechanisms of action that differentiate us in the marketplace. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to provide better outcomes for cancer patients through our advanced immmunotherapy approaches."

About Biond Biologics: Founded in 2016, Biond Biologics is a private, clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on developing first-in-class immunotherapies that target unique pathways across the immune system. With a pipeline that spans clinical-stage oncology programs and a variety of discovery efforts in immune-mediated diseases, the company remains committed to revolutionizing cancer treatment and providing hope to patients.

For more information, please visit Biond Biologics.