#Denmark #Copenhagen #Muna Therapeutics #Michel Detheux #Rita Balice-Gordon

Muna Therapeutics Leadership Transition and Clinical Advancements

Muna Therapeutics, a biotechnology firm making strides in therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, recently announced a change in its executive leadership. On June 29, 2026, Dr. Rita Balice-Gordon, who has served as CEO since 2021 and has been instrumental in guiding the company's transition into a clinical-stage enterprise, announced she would step down. Dr. Balice-Gordon will take on a new role as a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, allowing her to continue contributing to the company's mission. Taking her place is Dr. Michel Detheux, former President and CEO of iTeos Therapeutics, bringing extensive experience in the biotech industry to the role.

Dr. Balice-Gordon has played a pivotal role in Muna Therapeutics' evolution, leading the company in developing a robust clinical pipeline focusing on diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Under her stewardship, Muna's lead candidate, MNA-001, an innovative TREM2 agonist, is nearing the completion of its Phase 1 trials and is expected to enter Phase 2 testing among early Alzheimer’s patients by early 2027. Dr. Balice-Gordon expressed pride in her team’s achievements during her tenure, emphasizing the company’s dedication to advancing groundbreaking therapies that offer hope to those affected by neurodegenerative disorders.

Dr. Detheux steps into this leadership role with over three decades of experience in the biotech sector. His prior accomplishments include overseeing iTeos Therapeutics from its inception as a research-focused spin-off to a successful publicly traded clinical-stage entity. During his tenure, he secured over $1.2 billion in funding and established significant partnerships, including a notable $2 billion agreement with GSK. This background positions him well to guide Muna through further critical clinical and corporate milestones.

“Rita and her team have established a platform and pipeline unparalleled in the neurodegeneration sphere,” stated Dr. Detheux in a recent interview. He further noted that the team's work in progressing the TREM2 agonist program has validated Muna’s MIND-MAP discovery platform. Dr. Detheux's vision aligns with continuing to develop promising therapies that address the urgent needs of individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases.

The transition in leadership aligns with Muna Therapeutics’ ongoing mission to discover and develop crucial therapies for conditions that severely impact cognitive functions and overall life quality. The company's innovative approach seeks to slow progression or halt the effects of devastating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, altering the landscape of treatment options available for millions worldwide.

As the company continues to advance its clinical candidate MNA-001 and publish relevant research—most recently a publication highlighting critical findings in microglial response to Alzheimer’s pathologies—Muna is set to maintain its focus on identifying new medicines designed to preserve brain functions and enhance resilience against neurodegenerative diseases. With the shift in leadership, stakeholders are optimistic about the future trajectory of Muna Therapeutics and its profound impact on enhancing the quality of life for those grappling with debilitating conditions.

About Muna Therapeutics

Muna Therapeutics is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel therapies to combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which affect millions globally. The company strives to pave the way for innovative treatments that aim to protect cognitive function and ultimately improve patients' lives. Its name, derived from Old Norse meaning “to remember,” reflects its commitment to advancing research and therapies that hold the promise of better brain health.

For further details, please visit Muna Therapeutics.