HepaRegeniX appoints Dr. Martin Bonde as new Chair of the Board

Preparations for upcoming clinical trials in the USA are ongoing

23-Oct-2024
Computer-generated image

Elias Papatheodorou moves from Chair of Board to CEO and Managing Director of HepaRegeniX (symbolic image).

HepaRegeniX GmbH, a clinical stage company developing a novel regenerative therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases, announced the appointment of Dr. Martin Bonde as its new Chair of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. His appointment follows the recent €15 million Series C financing round, which supports the further clinical development, through Phase II clinical trials of HepaRegeniX’ innovative approach to liver regeneration.

Dr. Martin Bonde succeeds Elias Papatheodorou, who is now CEO and Managing Director of HepaRegeniX after serving two and a half years as Chair. Dr. Bonde brings a wealth of international experience in the biotech sector and currently serves as the CEO of Akylox Therapeutics ApS and Chairman of the Board at Asgard Therapeutics AB. Previously, he held leadership positions in various biotech companies such as Inthera Bioscience AG, Vaccibody AS (now operating as Nykode Therapeutics AS), Epitherapeutics Aps (acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc.), NatImmune A/S (acquired by Azanta A/S), Combio A/S (acquired by Arpida AG), Torsana Biosensor (acquired by Celtor Bioscience, Inc.), and Osteometer Biotech (now part of Nordic Bioscience A/S). Further, he is an entrepreneur-in-residence at BiOrigin, the advisory unit of Seed Investments - Novo Holdings A/S, and also serves on the board of the life science incubator BioInnovation Institute (BII) and on the board of digital pathology company Visiopharm A/S. Martin Bonde holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Technical University of Denmark, along with a Diploma in Business Administration from Copenhagen Business School.

"We are excited to welcome Martin Bonde to HepaRegeniX at this pivotal time for the company," said Elias Papatheodorou, CEO of HepaRegeniX. "Martin brings over two decades of leadership experience in the biotech sector, with a proven track record in driving innovation and strategic partnerships. His expertise in advancing drug candidates through clinical development will be instrumental as we progress HRX-215 through Phase II trials. With his guidance, we are confident in advancing our mission to restore liver function and prevent liver failure, addressing the urgent needs of patients worldwide."

Dr. Martin Bonde, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “I am thrilled to join HepaRegeniX as Chair of the Board, especially after the recent successful financing that will enable the next stages of clinical development. With its advanced approach to liver regeneration, HepaRegeniX has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of patients who are affected by liver failure and other liver diseases. I look forward to supporting the company through its next stages of clinical and business development.”

HepaRegeniX is developing HRX-215, a small molecule inhibitor of Mitogen-Activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Kinase 4 (MKK4). This new mechanism of action has shown great potential for inducing liver regeneration in preclinical experiments, and a Phase I trial has been successfully completed with results published in the journal Cell. A Phase Ib study in the US as well as an international Phase IIa study are planned.

Other news from the department people

Most read news

More news from our other portals

So close that even
molecules turn red...

Something is happening in the life science industry ...

This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.