Cristcot Welcomes Jenny Gizzi as Chief Administrative Officer
Cristcot, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for gastrointestinal diseases, has made a significant strategic move by appointing Jenny Gizzi as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This announcement comes as the company advances its lead product, a novel hydrocortisone acetate (HCA) suppository, toward regulatory submission and commercial preparations. In her role as CAO, Gizzi will oversee various business operations, including Information Technology, Human Resources, and Corporate Standards and Compliance.
Gizzi's appointment is timely, as Cristcot is riding the momentum of positive topline results from its pivotal Phase 3 CESSA clinical trial, which demonstrated effective outcomes for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) of the rectum. Under her leadership, she aims to create scalable systems that will enable cross-functional teams to effectively support the company’s ongoing growth.
With over 20 years of experience in both emerging biotechnology and major pharmaceutical firms, Gizzi comes equipped with a proven track record in organizational strategy, talent acquisition, and infrastructure transformation. Her most recent position was as Chief People Officer at Elevar Therapeutics, where she successfully spearheaded company-wide initiatives in HR, IT, and Administration Planning, gearing up for the company's first U.S. commercial launch.
Jennifer Davagian, Founder and CEO of Cristcot, expressed enthusiasm regarding Gizzi’s joining the team. She highlighted Gizzi's unique blend of strategic insight and operational discipline, suggesting that her expertise will be pivotal as the company prepares for commercialization and seeks to ramp up its operational capabilities. According to Davagian, Gizzi’s leadership experience at notable organizations like Arena Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb reinforces Cristcot’s commitment to fostering an environment primed for growth.
“I am excited to be joining Cristcot at such a pivotal moment in the Company's journey, moving from clinical operations to pre-commercial planning for a successful future,” said Gizzi. She acknowledged Cristcot's meaningful advancements in product development and scientific research, emphasizing the importance of building a robust operational structure that can support the company's mission to deliver effective therapies to patients who are suffering from chronic conditions.
The HCA suppository, driven by Cristcot's investigational pipeline, utilizes the Sephure® applicator for precise insertion, which reduces discomfort and leakage typical of traditional treatments. This innovative formulation aims to enhance patient compliance and represents a significant advancement over existing corticosteroid therapies, offering rapid release and localized effectiveness while minimizing systemic exposure.
Ultimately, Cristcot's focus on addressing the unmet needs of ulcerative colitis patients is underscored by the fact that there are no known cures for UC, leading to a cycle of treatment for flare-ups that can significantly affect patients’ quality of life. UC is a chronic condition marked by inflammation in the intestines, and Gizzi’s strategic leadership will be crucial as the firm seeks to make impactful changes in this arena.
As Cristcot continues to evolve, the expertise and leadership that Jenny Gizzi brings to her new role as CAO are set to play a vital role in supporting the company’s goals and strategies. As the organization gears up for its commercial trajectory, there’s hope that Gizzi's appointment will herald a new period of success and innovation for the company and the patients it serves.
For more details on Cristcot and its innovative therapies, visit
Cristcot's website or connect with them on LinkedIn.
About Cristcot
Cristcot is committed to developing targeted therapies for gastrointestinal diseases, with a mission to transform the treatment landscape for ulcerative colitis and related conditions. The company's diversified pipeline promises patient-centric solutions that could redefine care in the realm of gastrointestinal health.