Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ:POAI) said it has appointed Dr Julia Kirshner to the newly-created role of chief scientific officer (CSO).
Dr Kirshner, who up until now served as senior vice president at Predictive Oncology and president of its zPREDICTA division, will assume the role on August 1, 2022.
The company said its new CSO will oversee the scientific process for the entire suite of solutions the company offers for oncology drug development, ranging from early discovery to clinical trials, and include leading a long-term vision for the firm's product development strategy, driving adoption of its current assets and guiding product iteration.
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In a statement, Predictive Oncology’s CEO J Melville Engle called Dr Kirshner a “highly-qualified and well-respected scientific leader who understands the core technical and commercial value of each of the company's product lines.”
"She brings the scientific experience and deep level of expertise to our product development process that makes her the ideal candidate to help guide, support and grow all our business units,” Engle added.
Dr Kirshner founded zPREDICTA in 2014 and took it from a concept to profitability, and Predictive Oncology told investors it acquired zPREDICTA because of Kirshner's advancements in oncology drug development that complemented POAI's mission.
The firm highlighted Dr Kirshner’s work to create tumor-specific in vitro 3D models for drug development that reconstruct tissue microenvironments and mimic drug response.
Expanding research and development capabilties
In addition to her chief responsibilities, Dr Kirshner will also oversee the consolidation of the TumorGenesis division, which will be moved to the company's flagship Pittsburgh location where it conducts its artificial intelligence (AI) and lab functions. Serving as the hub of the firm's research and development arm, the Pittsburgh site will be expanding its lab space to meet the anticipated growth needs.
"By consolidating and growing our research and development capabilities, we will be better able to serve pharmaceutical and biotech companies looking to bring more effective cancer treatments to market," Dr Kirshner said in a statement. "This Includes testing new molecules and repurposing drugs for our clients that failed in clinical trials."
Eagann, Minnestota-based Predictive Oncology is a knowledge-driven company focused on applying artificial intelligence (AI) to develop optimal cancer therapies, which can lead to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes.
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