KiRA Biotech Appoints Global Pharma Business Leader as Independent Board Chair

BRISBANE, Australia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Australian drug development company Kira Biotech, with a mission to bring new treatment options to patients with autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, has announced the appointment of Michael Grissinger as independent Chair of its Board of Directors.

Michael has had a highly successful career in senior business and corporate development roles within global pharmaceutical companies. He spent 22 years at Johnson & Johnson, holding positions of Vice President and Head, Worldwide Pharmaceutical Licensing as well as Vice President and Head, Worldwide Pharmaceutical Corporate Development and M&A. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Mr. Grissinger spent 20 years in the healthcare industry with Ciba-Geigy and SmithKline Beckman.

“Michael will be a tremendous asset to our company as we move our lead immunology program forward through preclinical and early clinical development. His demonstrated expertise in corporate development and strategic planning will strengthen the company’s position and we very much look forward to his contribution. We’d also like to thank Sarah Meibusch for the foundational role she has played in the company to date,” said Kira Biotech CEO Dr. Dan Baker.

Mr. Grissinger commented “I am excited to be joining the Kira Board and supporting the company through these early formative stages. Immunology assets are in strong demand and global pharma continues to show great willingness to invest to access differentiated and promising pipeline assets”.

Mr. Grissinger currently serves on the boards of Akari Therapeutics, Plc (AKTX), and Atrin Pharmaceuticals. He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Juniata College and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business.

About Kira Biotech

Kira Biotech is an emerging Australian biotechnology company developing a novel immunomodulatory compound for the treatment of immune system disorders. Kira Biotech has attracted venture capital funding and is progressing KB312 through preclinical development and phase 1 clinical trials. Its initial focus is orphan indication acute graft-versus-host-disease, a debilitating condition arising in up to 50% of patients following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant.

About KB312

KB312 is a first-in-class, selective, immune-cell depleting monoclonal antibody which targets activated immune cells and aims to restore homeostasis through induction of immune tolerance.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Helen Roberts, KiRA Biotech Chief Operating Officer +61 419 657504

Dan Baker, KiRA Biotech Chief Executive Officer +1 (610) 324 0164