Candel Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:CADL) announced that it has appointed Dr Bali Pulendran, a leading authority in systems immunology and vaccinology, to its Research Advisory Board.
Dr Pulendran is the Violetta L. Horton Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, Director of the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, and a Fellow at ChEM-H (Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health).
His work has contributed to major advances in understanding how the human immune system responds to microbial and vaccine stimuli, according to the company.
Candel said Dr Pulendran will bring his expertise to support the company’s development of its lead viral immunotherapy candidates, CAN-2409, in multiple solid tumor indications, and CAN-3110, for recurrent high-grade glioma.
“Candel’s innovative viral immunotherapy platform represents a compelling approach to activating the immune system against cancer,” Dr Pulendran said.
“I look forward to contributing my experience in systems immunology and understanding immune responses to help advance these promising therapies that have the potential to benefit patients across multiple cancer types.”
Dr. Pulendran received his PhD from the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute under Sir Gustav Nossal.
His research has revealed key insights into dendritic cell subtypes and immune programming mechanisms and has been published in leading journals such as Nature, Science, and Cell.
He is also listed among Thomson Reuters’ Highly Cited Researchers, recognizing his influence within the field of immunology.
Dr Paul Peter Tak, Candel CEO, expressed excitement about Dr Pulendran’s appointment.
“His pioneering work in systems immunology and his deep understanding of how the immune system responds to various stimuli will provide invaluable insights as we continue to advance CAN-2409 across multiple solid tumors and CAN-3110 in recurrent high-grade glioma, developing potentially vital therapies to those who need them most,” Dr Tak said.