Shares in Genflow Biosciences Ltd (LSE:GENF, OTCQB:GENFF, FRA:WQ5) rose 13% to 2.08p after the company named a new chairman, a move investors took as a signal of growing focus on commercial execution as its gene therapy programmes mature.
The London-listed group said Gad Berdugo has joined the board with immediate effect as independent non-executive chairman. Tamara Joseph will remain on the board, providing continuity.
Genflow is developing gene therapies aimed at age-related diseases, an area that has attracted increasing attention as advances in delivery technologies bring treatments closer to clinical use.
Gene therapy works by introducing genetic material into cells to address the root causes of disease, but translating scientific promise into viable products remains a major challenge for smaller groups.
Berdugo brings more than three decades of experience across biotechnology, corporate development and capital markets.
He is managing partner at Explorium Capital LLC and has previously held senior roles at companies including Editas Medicine, as well as Abbott and Baxter. He has also worked at Lazard Asset Management.
Genflow said his background in RNA-based therapies and lipid nanoparticle delivery systems would support the development of its platform. Berdugo said the company was entering “the next new phase of development”, with key data expected in 2026.