HEPHAISTOS-Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation innate immunotherapies for cancer, today announced the appointment of Stephan Braun as Chief Medical Officer.
A seasoned oncology drug development leader, Stephan Braun brings extensive experience in translational and clinical development, with a strong track record in advancing innovative immuno-oncology programs from early development into clinical execution. He joins HEPHAISTOS-Pharma at a pivotal stage, as the company prepares the clinical development of its lead candidate, HEPHA440, a 3rd generation TLR4 agonist small molecule designed for effective & safe cancer therapy.
The appointment reflects growing recognition of HEPHAISTOS-Pharma’s scientific and therapeutic approach targeting Myeloid cells against solid tumors by a senior industry leader who recently contributed to the development success of ImCheck Therapeutics, one of Europe’s most visible immuno-oncology biotech companies.
“I am very pleased to join HEPHAISTOS-Pharma at such an important moment in its development,” said Stephan Braun, Chief Medical Officer of HEPHAISTOS-Pharma. “The company’s science is highly compelling, and its approach to innate immune activation has the potential to address a major unmet need in oncology. I look forward to working with the team to build a strong clinical development strategy and bring HEPHA440 closer to patients.”
Stephan Braun’s appointment further strengthens a development organization recently reinforced with the addition of Frédérique Brune as Chief Development Officer and Delphine Brégeon as Head of CMC Operations. Together, the team brings complementary expertise across medical strategy, development execution, CMC, regulatory preparation and clinical readiness, positioning HEPHAISTOS-Pharma to advance HEPHA440 toward first-in-human studies.
“We are very pleased to welcome Stephan in our team. Stephan’s appointment is a major milestone for HEPHAISTOS-Pharma,” said Frédéric Caroff, Chief Executive Officer of HEPHAISTOS-Pharma. “As we move closer to clinical development, we are strengthening the company with the expertise required to translate our science into a rigorous, patient-focused clinical strategy. Stephan brings exactly the combination of oncology experience, translational insight and clinical execution that we need at this stage.”
As illustrated by the recent progress of companies such as ImCheck Therapeutics, immunomodulation is emerging as a key lever unlock the full potential of cancer immunotherapies. HEPHAISTOS-Pharma is pursuing this ambition by targeting Myeloid cells within the tumor microenvironment. HEPHA440 is specifically designed to activate the innate immune system while maintaining a high therapeutic index.
As Chief Medical Officer, Stephan Braun will lead HEPHAISTOS-Pharma’s clinical development strategy, including the preparation of first-in-human studies, clinical trial design, translational development and medical strategy as the company advances toward clinical-stage execution.
