Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX, FRA:10VA) has named Michael A. Panzara as Chief Medical Officer, bringing aboard a veteran neurologist with more than 25 years of drug development experience as the biotechnology company braces for a critical clinical milestone in multiple sclerosis.
Panzara will oversee clinical development, medical affairs, and regulatory affairs at the Nasdaq-listed company, which is developing vidofludimus calcium, an oral therapy targeting both immunological and neuroprotective pathways in MS patients.
His appointment comes as Immunic prepares for the pivotal Phase 3 readout of its ENSURE trials in relapsing MS, a result the company expects within months.
"Mike is a globally renowned biopharmaceutical executive and drug developer with deep expertise in neurology and proven leadership in advancing transformational therapies through development and the regulatory approval process," said CEO Daniel Vitt.
Panzara arrives with an extensive track record in MS drug approvals. At Sanofi Genzyme, he oversaw global regulatory clearances for LEMTRADA and AUBAGIO, two widely used MS treatments. Before that, at Biogen, he served as global clinical lead for TYSABRI and managed late-stage development of AVONEX, PLEGRIDY, and TECFIDERA.
"His depth of experience will be invaluable as we advance vidofludimus calcium through the pivotal clinical readout of our Phase 3 ENSURE trials in relapsing MS, and toward potential regulatory approval and commercialization in this indication,” Vitt added.
Most recently, he served as Chief Medical Officer of Neurvati Neurosciences, where he built a development organization spanning multiple sub-companies focused on neurological and psychiatric disorders.
"Vidofludimus calcium's potential to treat MS by targeting both immunological and neuroprotective pathways holds promise to redefine the treatment landscape and meaningfully impact the lives of so many people who continue to struggle with their MS," Panzara said, adding that he also looks forward to advancing a planned phase 3 trial of the drug in primary progressive MS.
Panzara succeeds Andreas Muehler, a co-founder who served as CMO for 10 years and guided vidofludimus calcium from preclinical research into late-stage development. Muehler will remain with Immunic in a consulting capacity.