Australian clinical-stage immunotherapy company HaemaLogiX has announced the appointment of former health minister Greg Hunt to its board of directors.
It is Professor Hunt's first corporate directorship since retiring from politics at the 2022 election.
Established in 2014, HaemaLogiX is developing immune-based treatments to improve the outcomes of patients battling blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma and other B-cell diseases.
It is developing antibody therapy focused on the novel targets kappa myeloma antigen (KMA) and lambda myeloma antigen (LMA). KMA and LMA are found on the surface of malignant plasma cells and not on normal plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis, two diseases with limited treatment success and no effective cure. The company’s antibody clinical trial programs for KMA and LMA are conducted in partnership with global leaders in haematology based at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Alfred Health.
Professor Hunt said, “HaemaLogiX tackles an unmet treatment need through innovative science which is recognised by world-leading scientific voices. Through my career, I have seen first-hand the invaluable benefits that immunotherapy and other emerging therapies can bring to patients. As we continue to advance our trials (and subject to those trials) there is great hope for safer and more effective treatments which may be made available for patients with multiple myeloma and other conditions.”
“Working with this well-respected team was also a very exciting prospect. HaemaLogiX is led by an impressive senior executive and board. The Scientific Advisory Board is notable for its internationally renowned researchers, medical professionals, and academics,” he added.
Damian Clarke-Bruce, CEO and Managing Director of HaemaLogiX, “We’re thrilled to welcome Greg to our company. He brings a wealth of advisory experience and knowledge to HaemaLogiX, with an equal commitment to seeing new treatments reach patients and the market.
“Science is always evolving. Through our identification of unique novel antigens, HaemaLogiX technology and multiple therapeutic vehicles provide new options to patients. Greg further links us internationally with key industry stakeholders. As we move to expand our presence into the US, we are excited by this and ready for the next step of our company’s growth.”
Non-Executive Chairman Dr John Cullity added, “Greg represents a significant addition to our Board. As we further our clinical achievements, we look forward to working closely with Greg to amplify our presence within the Australian life science sector in addition to accessing global audiences as we scale up HaemaLogiX.”
