Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Appoints Michael J. Kamdar to Board Amid Clinical Trial Advancements

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced the appointment of Michael J. Kamdar to its Board of Directors, strengthening the company's leadership as it advances its pipeline of targeted therapies for hematologic cancers and antibody drug conjugates for solid tumors. Mr. Kamdar brings over 35 years of international leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors, with an impressive track record that includes orchestrating business deals worth over $1.5 billion and raising more than $750 million from venture firms and public markets.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Pacylex as the company progresses its lead drug, zelenirstat, through clinical trials. Zelenirstat, the first and only clinically validated N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor, has shown promise in early studies and has received both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA for acute myeloid leukemia. Mr. Kamdar expressed his enthusiasm about joining Pacylex, stating his particular excitement about oral zelenirstat and the platform of antibody drug conjugate payloads that Pacylex has available, both of which have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for oncology patients.

Dr. Cindy Jacobs, Board Chairperson of Pacylex, welcomed Kamdar's addition, highlighting the valuable expertise and perspectives he brings to the table. This is particularly crucial as the company engages with potential investors and partners for its next growth phase. Pacylex's innovative approach to cancer treatment focuses on inhibiting N-myristoyltransferase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival. The company's lead drug, zelenirstat, has demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study, with pharmacokinetics supporting once-daily oral dosing and early signs of efficacy.

The company is currently conducting a Phase 2 trial with zelenirstat, building on the promising results from earlier studies. Additionally, Pacylex is exploring the potential of NMTis as payloads for ADCs, opening up new possibilities for treating solid tumors. This strategic appointment and the advancement of Pacylex's pipeline underscore the growing importance of targeted therapies in oncology. As cancer treatment continues to evolve towards more personalized and effective approaches, companies like Pacylex are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that could significantly impact patient outcomes.

With support from organizations such as the US Department of Defense for AML research, and backing from the Cure Cancer Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation, and Alberta Innovates, Pacylex is well-positioned to continue its groundbreaking work in cancer therapeutics. As the company moves forward with its clinical trials and explores potential partnerships, the addition of Michael J. Kamdar to the board signals Pacylex's commitment to bringing its novel oncology treatments to patients in need.