Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Board with Addition of Michael J. Kamdar

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals, a leader in developing N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTis) for cancer treatment, has announced the appointment of Michael J. Kamdar to its Board of Directors. This strategic move brings over 35 years of international leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors to the company's governance team.

Mr. Kamdar's appointment comes at a crucial time for Pacylex, as the company advances its lead drug, zelenirstat, through Phase 2 clinical trials. Zelenirstat is the first and only clinically validated NMTi, representing a novel approach to treating hematologic cancers. The company is also exploring the use of NMTis as payloads for antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in solid tumor cancers, further expanding its potential impact in oncology.

With a track record of over $1.5 billion in business deals and more than $750 million raised from venture firms and public markets, Kamdar brings valuable expertise in corporate strategy and fundraising. His experience spans numerous notable companies in the life science sector, including leadership roles at Molecular Assemblies, Ciclofilin Pharmaceuticals, and Tobira Therapeutics, among others.

The addition of Kamdar to the board signifies Pacylex's commitment to strengthening its leadership as it enters a critical phase of growth. His insights will be particularly valuable as the company seeks to engage potential investors and partners for its next stage of development. Board Chairperson Dr. Cindy Jacobs expressed enthusiasm about Kamdar's appointment, highlighting the relevance of his expertise to the company's current objectives.

Kamdar's appointment comes as Pacylex's zelenirstat shows promising results. A recent Phase 1 study demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, along with pharmacokinetics supporting once-daily oral dosing. The drug has also shown early signs of efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma and refractory solid tumors. These findings, coupled with the FDA's granting of Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), underscore the potential significance of Pacylex's work in addressing unmet needs in cancer treatment.

The company's focus on NMTis represents a novel approach in oncology. By targeting N-myristoyltransferase, an enzyme crucial for cancer cell survival, Pacylex aims to develop more effective and potentially less toxic cancer treatments. This strategy aligns with the growing trend towards precision medicine in oncology, offering hope for improved outcomes in difficult-to-treat cancers.

As Pacylex continues to advance its clinical programs, Kamdar's experience in business development and strategic partnerships could prove instrumental. The company's dual focus on oral therapies and ADC payloads positions it uniquely in the competitive landscape of cancer therapeutics, potentially opening doors to collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies.

The appointment also comes at a time when the broader pharmaceutical industry is showing increased interest in novel cancer therapies and targeted approaches. Pacylex's progress with zelenirstat and its platform technology could attract attention from both investors and potential partners looking to expand their oncology portfolios.

As the company moves forward, the expertise brought by Kamdar and the existing leadership team will be crucial in navigating the complex landscape of drug development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization. The success of Pacylex's programs could not only benefit the company but also potentially reshape treatment paradigms for certain types of cancer, offering new hope to patients with limited options.