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Pacylex Pharmaceuticals’ Appoints Michael J. Kamdar to Board of Directors

Key Takeaways
  • Michael Kamdar, an experienced life science & healthcare executive with over 35 years of international leadership experience, has joined the Board of Directors
  • Mr. Kamdar brings extensive financing and life science deal making experience to the Board at a time when the company is aggressively courting Series B investors and ADC partnerships

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada November 7, 2024. Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Pacylex) is the only clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTis) as targeted therapies for the treatment of hematologic cancers. Pacylex also offers NMTis as payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for treatment of solid tumor cancers. Today, Pacylex announced that Michael Kamdar, a seasoned life science and healthcare executive with over 35 years of international leadership experience, has joined the Board of Directors

Mr. Kamdar is an industry veteran that has done over $1.5B in business deals and raised more than $750 million from venture firms and public markets as founder, board member and leader of numerous notable life science and healthcare companies, including Molecular Assemblies, Ciclofilin Pharmaceuticals, AeenaDx, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals, Tobira Therapeutics, Avalyn Pharmaceuticals, Anadys Pharmaceuticals and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, several of which were acquired by pharmaceutical companies. He currently sits on the Strategic Advisory Board of YatiriBio.

“I am particularly excited about oral zelenirstat and the platform of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) payloads that Pacylex has available, both of which have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for oncology patients”, said Mr. Kamdar. “I look forward to working with the Pacylex Board and management team, and the right investors and partners, to bring these novel programs through the clinic and into the oncology treatment paradigm.” 

“I am delighted to welcome Michael to the board. He brings expertise and perspectives directly relevant to our discussions as we engage potential investors and partners for the exciting next stage of the company.” said Board Chairperson Dr. Cindy Jacobs. 

Company co-founder Dr. John Mackey has stepped down as an Executive Director but remains the company’s Chief Medical Officer guiding clinical development of zelenirstat.




Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Contact: Michael J. Weickert
CEO, Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
P: 650-218-1840

About Pacylex Pharmaceuticals 

Pacylex is the world leader in developing N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTis) as targeted therapies for the treatment of hematologic cancers and as payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Pacylex is in Phase 2 with Its lead drug, Zelenirstat, the first and only clinically validated NMTi. A Phase 1 multiple ascending dose safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics study on zelenirstat in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma and refractory solid tumors (NCT04836195) demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, pharmacokinetics consistent with once-daily oral dosing, and early signs of efficacy. The FDA has granted zelenirstat both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation for AML. The US Department of Defense is supporting the initial clinical investigation of zelenirstat in AML patients. Pacylex is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but also has an office in the San Francisco Bay area. The Cure Cancer Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation, and Alberta Innovates supported the initial clinical studies. For additional information, please visit www.pacylex.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, such as statements relating to future events or the Company’s future financial and operating performance, as well as the Company’s business plans, growth initiatives, and objectives and prospects. Generally, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “goal,” “expect,” “strategy,” “future,” “likely,” "proposed,” “scheduled,” “forecast,” “budget,” “could,” “would,” variations of such words of phrases and other similar expressions, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward looking. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are subject to numerous factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, the Company’s ability to successfully execute on its business plans and strategies, avoid delays in planned clinical trials, hire and retain key personnel, obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market potential products and obtain future funding for product development and working capital on commercially reasonable terms, changes in laws, and  general macroeconomic conditions, including economic slowdowns, recessionary risks, rising inflation and interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on the beliefs of management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management as of the date hereof, and none of the Company or its affiliates undertakes any obligation to update or issue revisions to any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect any future events or circumstances, except as required by law. The foregoing does not constitute an offer or solicitation to acquire any securities in the Company or any related or associated entity or affiliate. The information contained herein is not intended as legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Furthermore, the information contained herein may not be applicable to or suitable for an individual’s specific circumstances or needs.



Key Takeaways
  • Michael Kamdar, an experienced life science & healthcare executive with over 35 years of international leadership experience, has joined the Board of Directors
  • Mr. Kamdar brings extensive financing and life science deal making experience to the Board at a time when the company is aggressively courting Series B investors and ADC partnerships
Media Gallery
Quotes
I am particularly excited about oral zelenirstat and the platform of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) payloads that Pacylex has available, which both ...
Mr. KamdarPacylex Board of Directors
I am delighted to welcome Michael to the board. He brings expertise and perspectives directly relevant to our discussions as we engage potential in...
Dr. Cindy JacobsPacylex Board Chairperson
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Michael J. Weickert, PhD
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Contacts
Michael Weickert Ph.D
michael.weickert@pacylex.com
650-218-1840
Chief Executive Officer