Valion Bio's Interim CEO Dean Zikria Outlines 30-Day Agenda: Entolimod Pipeline, Velocity Bioworks Commercialization, and Strategic Review
Valion Bio announced that Dean Zikria, a board director of more than seven years, has become Interim CEO and set a 30-day agenda built on three priorities: advancing Entolimod and other pipeline assets, pursuing customer and revenue growth for wholly owned CDMO subsidiary Velocity Bioworks, and evaluating strategic alternatives for Velocity including partnerships, co-investment structures, licensing deals, joint ventures, or a sale. The company disclosed that Entolimod, the lead biologic candidate for Acute Radi...
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Dean Zikria appointed Interim CEO; previously served on Valion Bio's Board of Directors for more than seven years.
Three priority areas: (1) advance Entolimod and other pipeline assets, (2) pursue customer/revenue capabilities for Velocity Bioworks CDMO, (3) evaluate strategic options for Velocity including sale, JV, licensing, or co-investment.
Entolimod lead indication is Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS); approximately $35.6 million in non-dilutive funding from U.S. government agencies received to date.
Entolimod holds FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for ARS; supported by an established body of human safety data.
Additional Entolimod development pathways under evaluation include GI radiation injury (AFRRI, U.S. Department of War-funded), cancer patients receiving high-dose radiation (Sheba Medical Center), and an oral mucosal formulation (with Shear Kershman Laboratories using BioViscid platform).
Entolasta, a next-generation TLR5 agonist, also planned for advancement; targeted potential applications include oncology supportive care.
No transaction has been committed for Velocity Bioworks; company warned there can be no assurance a transaction will result.
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