Cumulus Oncology, a biotech creation company, has unveiled the inauguration of GIO Therapeutics AG, based in Basel, Switzerland.
This newly established biotech company specialises in the development of pharmaceuticals targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR).
Heading GIO Therapeutics is Dr Xavier Leroy who has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer. He is a leading expert in GPCRs and immunology with a successful track record of advancing first-in-class drugs into clinical development.
Dr Leroy has more than 25 years of experience in innovative drug discovery and clinical development, with past R&D leadership positions at Domain Therapeutics, iTeos Therapeutics and Actelion.
Joining Dr Leroy as Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operating Officer designate of GIO is Tilly Bingham, an expert in drug discovery with more than 20 years’ experience in research and development within the pharmaceutical sector.
The GIO Therapeutics team also includes highly accomplished scientists and industry leaders such as Nikki March (Senior Director of Scientific Affairs), Tim Sparey, Thomas Wirth and Clare Doris who are all acting as strategic advisors to GIO.
Dr Xavier Leroy, CEO of GIO Therapeutics commented: “While GPCRs are well-known drug targets, their potential in cancer therapeutics is currently underutilised. I am delighted to be leading GIO Therapeutics, alongside an exceptional team of industry experts, to further explore the therapeutic potential of GPCRs in oncology and inflammatory diseases, ultimately, improving outcomes for patients.”
GIO Therapeutics is the second spin-out company incorporated via Cumulus Oncology’s company creation model.
The capital efficient use of resources enables the company to focus on those opportunities with the strongest scientific validation where a commercial path forward is possible.
This in turn, allows the company to focus on improved treatment outcomes for patient groups where current therapeutic options are limited.