EIT Pharma Strengthens Leadership with Dr. Joseph Toerner's Appointment as CMO

EIT Pharma, a prominent biotechnology company dedicated to developing therapies for infectious diseases, has made a significant addition to its executive team. The company announced today the appointment of Dr. Joseph Toerner, M.D., M.P.H., as its Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately. With an impressive 26-year tenure at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Toerner is set to play a pivotal role in guiding EIT Pharma's clinical and medical strategies.

Dr. Toerner's extensive career at the FDA included leadership positions focusing on hepatology, infectious diseases, and drug safety, equipping him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will directly benefit EIT Pharma's mission. As Chief Medical Officer, he will spearhead medical and clinical leadership across the company’s development programs. One primary focus will be the ongoing regulatory review of lonafarnib, an investigational first-in-class oral therapy specifically designed for chronic hepatitis D (CHD). Additionally, Dr. Toerner will oversee the advancement of peginterferon lambda, a Phase 2 investigational treatment targeting severe acute viral respiratory infections.

“Dr. Toerner brings a unique and invaluable combination of insights as both an infectious disease physician and a seasoned FDA veteran. His deep understanding of the journey from clinical evidence to approved therapy positions him as a critical asset for our team,” stated Dr. Leen Kawas, CEO of EIT Pharma. “We are thrilled to have him on board, as his expertise will reinforce our medical foundation and accelerate the development of our infectious disease portfolio, ultimately benefiting patients in need.”

During his time at the FDA, Dr. Toerner held several influential roles, most recently serving as Director of the Division of Hepatology and Nutrition from 2020 to 2024. In these capacities, he was at the forefront of antiviral drug development, vaccine research, and regulatory policy. After departing the FDA in 2024, he established Joseph Toerner, LLC, where he provided consulting in drug development across several fields, including hepatology and infectious diseases.

Dr. Toerner expressed his enthusiasm for joining EIT Pharma, stating, “People living with chronic hepatitis D have far too few treatment options, and I share EIT Pharma's conviction that no patient should be left behind. My career has been characterized by working in areas of high unmet needs, backed by rigorous science, and EIT Pharma's programs reflect this ethos. I’m honored to join the team and am eager to collaborate with Dr. Kawas and our colleagues to advance lonafarnib and lambda for patients awaiting effective treatments.”

About EIT Pharma, Inc.
EIT Pharma is on a mission to advance therapies for infectious diseases that present significant unmet medical needs. Through a commitment to rigorous scientific exploration, disciplined execution, and a patient-centered approach, the company aims to convert innovative science into meaningful impacts for patients.

About Lonafarnib
Lonafarnib is currently under investigation as an oral therapy candidate targeting the treatment of chronic hepatitis D. It works by focusing on a critical phase in the lifecycle of the hepatitis D virus and marks the only oral therapeutic candidate in late-stage clinical exploration for this condition. Notably, lonafarnib has yet to receive approval from the FDA or any other regulatory agency, and its safety and efficacy remain to be conclusively established.

About Peginterferon Lambda-1a
Peginterferon lambda-1a is another investigational therapy under review for treating acute respiratory infections. It is designed to enhance innate immunity by inducing interferon-stimulated genes within immune cells. Similar to lonafarnib, peginterferon lambda-1a has not yet been approved by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, and its safety and effectiveness are still being validated.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements related to regulatory review timelines and anticipated milestones which may be impacted by various risks and uncertainties. EIT Pharma is not obligated to update these projections unless mandated by law.

EIT Pharma continues to strive for improved treatment options in infectious diseases, reinforcing its dedication to delivering revolutionary healthcare solutions to patients in need.