Innovative Biotech Company Expands Executive Team with Three C-Suite Appointments and Advances Pipeline with Key Trial Evaluations
BARCELONA and PALO ALTO, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- FreeOx Biotech, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering a novel drug class for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS), announced significant progress in 2024, driven by cutting-edge clinical advancements, strategic investments, and key executive appointments.
Highlights of 2024, positioning FreeOx for growth and innovation:
- Clinical Milestones: After a rigorous 5-year process, FreeOx's lead compound, Ox-01, was the only and first drug ever selected by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) for evaluation on its STEP (StrokeNet Thrombectomy Endovascular Platform) clinical platform.
- IP: The company filed a composition of matter patent for a proprietary uric acid co-crystal.
- Strategic Investment: FreeOx received capital investment from Neuro Technology Investors (NTI).
- Executive Appointments: Strengthening its leadership, Dr. Ian Hitchcock joined as Chief Development Officer, Pat Nasshorn as Chief Business Development Officer, and Dr. Jina Swartz as Chief Medical Officer
Emmett-Phil Coriat, CEO of FreeOx Biotech, commented, "I am thrilled to welcome the new management team and these appointments bring invaluable expertise in drug development, strategic partnerships, and neuroscience to FreeOx. Their leadership will be crucial as we advance our mission to develop innovative therapies for AIS and other critical unmet medical needs."
Dr. Ian Hitchcock brings 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with global expertise spanning development, clinical research, and executive leadership. He has held senior roles at Abbott, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pharmion/Celgene in the US, and Aimmune, among others. Dr. Hitchcock earned his MBChB from the University of Cape Town, where he partnered in building South Africa's largest private primary healthcare service. He later served as a Clinical Fellow in Virology and HIV in London before transitioning fully into the pharmaceutical sector in 1999 while also maintaining an NHS clinical role until 2006.
Ian Hitchcock added, "I am delighted to join the FreeOx Biotech team and leverage my expertise across multiple functions and global territories in the industry, including drug development and clinical strategy, to advance the company's transformative pipeline, with a particular interest in bringing innovative and first-in-class products to patients in areas of high unmet medical needs. FreeOx Biotech's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs through innovative therapies is truly inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to the company's strategic initiatives and partnerships."
Pat Nasshorn, an accomplished business development leader, also joins FreeOx Biotech with a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry. Her career includes executive roles at Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, followed by a decade as a business development executive at Care Capital, LLC. Most recently, she worked as a consultant, forging strategic partnerships for multiple pharmaceutical companies.
Commenting on her new role, Nasshorn said, "The company's innovative approach to addressing Acute Ischemic Stroke presents a tremendous opportunity to make a meaningful impact in patient care," said Nasshorn. "I am excited to join FreeOx Biotech at this critical juncture and look forward to leveraging my extensive network and experience to drive strategic partnerships and accelerate the company's growth."
Dr. Jina Swartz, a seasoned expert in neurology and neuroscience drug development, rounds out the new executive team. With over 30 years of experience in academic neurology and global clinical development, including roles at Merck, Takeda, Eisai, and GSK, Dr. Swartz brings unmatched expertise in exploratory research and late-stage clinical programs.
Recently elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Dr. Swartz said, "I'm pleased to be joining FreeOx Biotech at this important time for the company, as they embark upon investigating the efficacy of Ox-01 in the NINDS' new stroke-dedicated STEP clinical platform. The prospect of joining a dedicated team driving forward a novel therapeutic approach for effectively treating patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke, a common, debilitating disorder in which so many failures have resulted in development slowing almost to a halt, is a unique opportunity that I look forward to embracing".
About FreeOx Biotech:
FreeOx Biotech is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing Cerebrovascular Protective Therapy, a new drug class for the emergency treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients. By focusing on restoring microcirculation homeostasis and enhancing penumbra reperfusion thereby salvaging recoverable brain tissue, FreeOx Biotech aims to revolutionize stroke care and improve patient outcomes. FreeOx' s Ox-01, based on a proprietary co-crystal of uric acid with composition of matter protection, is in development as an emergency Adjunct Mechanical Thrombectomy Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS.). FreeOx is building a pipeline based on another proprietary liposomal formulation technology that broadly expands opportunities in neurology. Founded by Dr. Ángel Chamorro, MD, a leading stroke neurologist and pioneer in the use of Uric Acid as an emergency treatment for AIS, FreeOx 's novel adjunct drug has been shown to reperfuse the brain microcirculation. By contrast, current emergency AIS treatments are effective only in addressing recanalization (macrocirculation restoration).
Media contact:
Ali Nagy
Media Contact
Ali Nagy, FreeOx Biotech, 1 714-310-4439, [email protected], https://freeoxbiotech.com/
SOURCE FreeOx Biotech
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