The Launch of Ottimo Pharma

Ottimo Pharma, a private biotech company, announces the appointment of world class industry veterans David Epstein as Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Mehdi Shahidi as Head of Development and Chief Medical Officer and James Sabry as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.

Ottimo Pharma, co-founded by Medicxi and Jonny Finlay in 2020, is developing Jankistomig, a PD1-VEGFR2 bi-functional antibody, designed as a dual-pathway, single agent, IgG therapy targeting immune checkpoint inhibition and angiogenesis in the treatment of cancer.

Ottimo Pharma is a biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments, particularly in the field of cancer immunotherapy. They are known for their research on bi-functional antibodies, like Jankistomig, which aim to target cancer in new and effective ways. The company emphasizes advancing medical science and pushing boundaries in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Jankistomig’s unique mode of action blocks the PD1 and VEGF pathways, leveraging its high affinity for PD1 to enhance tumor immune cell biodistribution while minimizing VEGF-related adverse effects, specifically due to its intentionally designed interaction with VEGFR2.

Ottimo Pharma’s goal is to improve cancer treatment outcomes and reduce healthcare burden through this novel combination of mechanisms of action.

Medicxi is a healthcare-focused investment firm with the mission to create and invest in companies across the full drug development continuum. Leveraging deep expertise in drug development and company creation spanning over two decades, Medicxi invests in early and late-stage therapeutics with a product vision that can fulfill a clear unmet medical need.

David Epstein, newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, brings over 30 years of experience in drug development, deal making and commercialization, with a strong track record of success.

Most recently, David served as CEO of Seagen, and as a member of its Board, until its acquisition by Pfizer in late 2023.

From 2010 to 2016, he served as CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a division of Novartis AG, and earlier in his career, he founded and led Novartis’ Oncology and Molecular Diagnostics units.

David Epstein shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Exciting times ahead as we officially launch Ottimo Pharma! I’m honored to be leading a talented team dedicated to advancing innovative treatments like Jankistomig, our bi-functional antibody targeting cancer in a whole new way. With the support of Medicxi and a world-class team, we’re pushing boundaries in cancer immunotherapy.

Follow Ottimo Pharma for updates as we move forward.”

Mehdi Shahidi, MD joins Ottimo Pharma as Head of Development and CMO, bringing a wealth of expertise in oncology drug development.

With over two decades of experience in pharma, including Global Head of Medicine, Oncology and SVP and Chief Medical Officer at Boehringer Ingelheim, he has overseen the clinical development, regulatory filing and registration of multiple drugs.

Mehdi completed his clinical oncology training at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and had a successful clinical and research career in oncology before transitioning to the pharmaceutical industry.

James Sabry, MD, PhD, joins Ottimo Pharma’s Board as non-executive Vice-Chair, with over 30 years of experience in business development and partnering. He currently serves as EVP, Chief Business Officer of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Prior to this, James was previously Global Head and EVP of Roche Pharma Partnering where he was instrumental in securing key deals that have significantly advanced the company’s R&D pipeline and led to the launch of numerous new medicines. From 2010, he was Senior Vice President of Genentech Partnering.

For more posts like this, visit oncodaily.com