Jun 12, 2018
Lytix Biopharma strengthens management with appointment of Hamina Patel as CMO

Lytix Biopharma today announced that it has appointed Dr Hamina Patel as Chief Medical Officer. The appointment coincides with growing interest in lead “first in class” product candidate LTX-315 at both AACR and ASCO and its potential for turning solid cold tumours hot.

Previously Managing Director or StratiPhy Consulting, Dr Patel brings over 18 years of experience to Lytix Biopharma having successfully led large global teams within Pharma and Biotech. Her oncology track record is particularly relevant, as it includes being integral to the successful launch of the Oncology franchise at Johnson & Johnson and serving as their Oncology CREDO champion for 3 years. Dr Patel holds both MB BCh, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees from the University of Wales, College of Medicine.

 

“I am delighted to join Lytix Biopharma at such an exciting stage in the company’s development. Whilst immunotherapy has great potential, there are certain key issues that need addressing. The non-response of “cold” solid tumours is one and use of oncolytic peptides to turn cold tumors hot seems to be a very promising approach,” commented Dr Patel.

 

“Hamina adds vast experience and an impressive track record of successfully bringing novel oncology products to market to our team,’” added Dr Edwin Klumper, CEO, Lytix Biopharma. “The body of evidence for LTX-315 continues to grow and we look forward over the next 18 months to presenting exciting results that contribute to solving the non-responder issues in immunotherapy and lead to truly personalised treatments.”

 

LTX-315 is a novel oncolytic peptide that has been designed de novo based on the structure–activity relationship of host defense peptides. Injected locally into a specific tumor, the LTX-315 lyses the whole cancer cell, leading to the release of potent immune stimulants and the patient’s personal tumor antigens. This in turn triggers a strong and personal immune response resulting in the infiltration of a broad range of tumor specific T cells attacking the patient’s tumor cells. Through these effects, LTX-315 can make tumors responsive to both the new classes of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and traditional chemotherapy.