Mongoose Bio Appoints Acclaimed Biotech Leader Neil Warma as CEO to Drive Innovation in Advanced Cancer Therapies
Seasoned Biotech Executive to Steer MD Anderson Cancer Spin-Out Toward Clinical Success in Transformative Cancer Treatments
Houston, Texas, February 1, 2024 – Mongoose Bio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing next-generation precision TCR-T therapies for solid tumors, today announced the appointment of Neil Warma as President, CEO, and Member of the Board of Directors. With over 25 years of global leadership experience in biopharmaceuticals, Mr. Warma has spearheaded the growth of numerous companies, driving innovation and delivering transformative therapies to patients worldwide.
“I am thrilled to join Mongoose Bio at this pivotal stage as we transition from stealth to delivering potentially life-changing therapies for patients facing rare and common cancers,” said Mr. Warma. “Collaborating with our visionary founder, Dr. Cassian Yee—an internationally recognized pioneer in cellular therapies and MD Anderson Cancer Center leader—gives us an unparalleled opportunity to revolutionize solid tumor treatment with our novel TCR-Therapies.”
“Neil’s extensive experience in leading global biopharma companies and in cellular immunotherapies combined with his strategic vision make him the ideal leader for Mongoose Bio,” stated Dr. Cassian Yee, Founder of Mongoose Bio and Endowed Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center. “We are excited to welcome him and together, we aim to set new standards in TCR-T therapy for solid tumors.”
Mongoose Bio is poised to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial for its lead candidate, MGB-001, a TCR-T cell therapy with an initial indication in relapse/refractory patients with advanced gastric/esophageal, breast, and non-small cell lung cancers. Built on proprietary epigenetic reprogramming technology, MGB-001 harnesses central memory T cells to enhance therapy response rates and durability. Early clinical studies using this approach have demonstrated promising results, including improved persistence and efficacy of T cell therapies.
Previously, Mr. Warma was CEO, Representative Director and Board Member of Genexine, Inc. (095700.KQ) a public, global biopharmaceutical company based in Seoul, South Korea, where he led the company’s restructuring and commercialization of its first products. He was the former US GM/CEO of I-Mab Biopharma U.S., (Nasdaq:IMAB) a publicly traded global biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology, with offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, San Diego and Gaithersburg. Mr. Warma was responsible for the expansion of global operations outside of China and instrumental to the Company’s successful U.S. IPO. Prior to that, Mr. Warma was President and CEO of Opexa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:OPXA), a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company developing novel cellular therapies for autoimmune diseases. Prior to Opexa, he was CEO of Viron Therapeutics, a private biotechnology company developing novel protein-based therapeutics for cardiovascular disease and transplantation.
Mr. Warma spent several years in key management roles at Novartis Pharmaceuticals at its corporate headquarters in Basel, Switzerland in Global Marketing and as Head of International Pharma Policy.
He was also President and Co-Founder of MedExact, a health-technology company dedicated to providing an interface between physicians and pharmaceutical companies, which he later sold.
Mr. Warma currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), ProMIS Neurosciences (Nasdaq:PMN) and GenrAb Inc. Mr. Warma obtained an honors Bachelor of Science degree specializing in neuroscience from the University of Toronto and an International MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Warma is a Board Member of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), ProMIS Neurosciences (Nasdaq: PMN), and GenrAb Inc. Warma holds a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from the University of Toronto and an International MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University in Toronto.
About MGB-001
MGB-001 is Mongoose Bio’s first-in-class epigenetically reprogrammed autologous TCR-T cell therapy targeting a uniquely immunogenic epitope identified through the company’s proprietary Immunopeptidome Discovery Platform (IDP). Designed to treat pan-cancers, this therapy builds on 17 years of pioneering research by Dr. Cassian Yee at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
About Mongoose Bio
Mongoose Bio is redefining cancer treatment through innovative cellular immunotherapies for solid tumors. Leveraging its proprietary Immunopeptidome Discovery Platform and Epigenetic T Cell Reprogramming technologies, the company develops precision TCR-T therapies with superior efficacy and durability. Learn more at www.mongoosebio.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements reflect the company’s current expectations regarding future events, including, but not limited to clinical development timelines, regulatory approvals, and commercial potential. Actual results could differ materially due to factors such as scientific, clinical, operational, or financial challenges. The company undertakes no obligation to update these statements except as required by law.
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Email: info@mongoosebio.com