NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kleo
Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of immunotherapies utilizing small molecules to activate an
individual's own immune system to fight against cancers and infectious diseases, announced today the appointment of David A. Spiegel, M.D. Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Dr. Spiegel will also serve on
the company's Board of Directors. He is a co-founder of Kleo Pharmaceuticals and the scientist who discovered and developed
Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Mimics (SyAMs) in his laboratory at Yale
University.
"Because the ARM and SyAM platforms are unique technologies with such tremendous potential for expanding the field of
immunotherapy, we felt it was absolutely key for us to have David's mind and leadership at the helm of the company that will
champion this approach in the clinic. We are looking forward to contributing our development and commercial experience and
expertise to transform David's vision into a life-changing reality for patients," said Declan
Doogan, M.D., Chairman of the Board for Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, which led Kleo's series A financing.
"This is a golden age for immunotherapies and I am very grateful to be a part of this revolution in patient treatment
options," said Dr. Spiegel. "Small molecule immunotherapies have so many unique and potentially advantageous characteristics when
compared to biologics that it will be exciting to see where our platforms will ultimately be best deployed in the fight against
disease."
Dr. Spiegel is a Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Yale University where he heads the
Spiegel Research Group. During his time as a faculty member, he has led research efforts in a number of successful directions,
ranging from the development of antibody-recruiting molecules to fundamental studies of advanced glycation end-products. He has
co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is an inventor with over a dozen patents. He has consulted to International
Flavors and Fragrances, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Allied-Bristol Life Sciences. He
has been recognized with various awards and honors, including the NIH Director's New Innovator Award, the Department of Defense
Era of Hope Scholar Award, the Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award in Aging Research, the Novartis Early Career Award in
Organic Chemistry, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges Explorations Award, an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Fellowship, an Arthur C. Cope Early Career Scholars Award, and others.
About Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biotechnology company initially formed on the basis of intellectual property from the Spiegel
Lab at Yale University. The company was founded by Dr. David Spiegel
and Roy Prieb is focused on developing a new class of targeted immunotherapies. The company is
based in New Haven, CT. Further information regarding Kleo can be found at: http://kleopharmaceuticals.com.
About Biohaven Pharmaceuticals
Biohaven recently provided Series A funding to Kleo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and entered into a master services agreement to
provide clinical development support to help advance Kleo's small molecule, immune based therapeutics called Antibody Recruiting
Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Mimics (SyAMS). Biohaven is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company with expertise in
late stage clinical development and has a portfolio of multiple late stage drug assets. Biohaven has licensed intellectual
property from Yale University, Catalent, ALS Biopharma LLC, and Massachusetts General Hospital. The
company has advanced multiple candidates into the clinic and plans on pivotal trials beginning late 2016. Biohaven is owned by a
group of investors including Yale University, Portage Biotech Inc. (OTC Market: PTGEF, Canadian
Securities Exchange: PBT.U), John W. Childs and other private investors. Further information
regarding Biohaven can be found at: http://biohavenpharma.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal and Canadian securities laws.
These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current
expectations and assumptions of the Company's management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in
this press release regarding the Company's plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking
statements. The use of certain words, including the words "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "anticipate,"
"will," "plan," "could," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company may not
actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue
reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ
materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements including receipt of regulatory
approvals and market conditions. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any
obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact:
Roy Prieb
Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(203) -428-4596
email: pr@kleopharmaceuticals.com
website: www.kleopharmaceuticals.com
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SOURCE Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.