HaemaLogiX welcomes former Federal Minister for Health Professor the Hon Greg Hunt to the company board as Non-Executive Director
19 May 2024
HaemaLogiX Ltd, a clinical stage biotech developing novel immunotherapies for patients with blood cancers and B-cell diseases, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor the Hon Greg Hunt, former Federal Minister for Health, to the HaemaLogiX Board as a Non-Executive Director. This appointment marks the first corporate directorship that Prof Hunt has accepted since completing his period as Minister for Health.
Established in 2014, HaemaLogiX is an Australian biotech company specialising in developing immune-based treatments to improve outcomes for patients battling blood cancers such as multiple myeloma, and other B-Cell diseases. The company has identified unique therapeutic targets and developed antibody-based treatment strategies to change the course of related diseases.
HaemaLogiX is the first and only company developing antibody therapy focused on the novel targets kappa myeloma antigen (KMA) and lambda myeloma antigen (LMA). KMA and LMA are found on the surface of malignant plasma cells and not on normal plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma and AL amyloidosis, two diseases with limited treatment success and no effective cure. The company’s antibody clinical trial programs for KMA and LMA are conducted in partnership with global leaders in haematology based at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) and Alfred Health.
On his decision to join the Board, Professor Hunt said, “HaemaLogiX tackles an unmet treatment need through innovative science which is recognised by world-leading scientific voices. Through my career, I have seen first-hand the invaluable benefits that immunotherapy and other emerging therapies can bring to patients. As we continue to advance our trials (and subject to those trials) there is great hope for safer and more effective treatments which may be made available for patients with multiple myeloma and other conditions,” said Prof Hunt.
“Working with this well-respected team was also a very exciting prospect. HaemaLogiX is led by an impressive senior executive and board. The Scientific Advisory Board is notable for its internationally-renowned researchers, medical professionals, and academics,” said Prof Hunt.
Validated and guided by pioneering Australian research institutions, Alfred Health and the Peter Mac, HaemaLogiX runs first-in-class clinical programs.
Led by Professor Andrew Spencer from the Alfred, a published Phase 2b efficacy study for the KappaMab program demonstrated an 83% overall response rate in multiple myeloma patients whose disease had relapsed after standard of care treatments, combined with a 46% reduction in risk of death compared to the matched case control group, without delivering any increased adverse effects for the patients. Two patients from this study have had complete responses and remain on therapy for more than 4 years after their initial treatment.
Haemalogix and Peter Mac are actively progressing the manufacturing stage of their collaborative CAR-T development program. The team plans to initiate the first CAR-T Phase 1 clinical trial targeting KMA on malignant plasma cells. This trial is in relapsed/refractory myeloma patients with KMA-positive bone marrow plasma cells and whose disease has not responded to prior standard of care treatments.
Damian Clarke-Bruce, CEO and Managing Director of HaemaLogiX, said that the synergy between the company’s research focus and Prof Hunt’s passion for enhanced patient outcomes and innovation in science, makes him a strong addition to the board. “We’re thrilled to welcome Greg to our company. He brings a wealth of advisory experience and knowledge to HaemaLogiX, with an equal commitment to seeing new treatments reach patients and the market.”
“Science is always evolving. Through our identification of unique novel antigens, HaemaLogiX technology and multiple therapeutic vehicles provide new options to patients. Greg further links us internationally with key industry stakeholders. As we move to expand our presence into the US, we are excited by this and ready for the next step of our company’s growth.”
Non-Executive Chairman, Dr John Cullity said: “Greg represents a significant addition to our Board. As we further our clinical achievements, we look forward to working closely with Greg to amplify our presence within the Australian life science sector in addition to accessing global audiences as we scale up HaemaLogiX.”
Watch Dr John Cullity and Professor The Honourable Greg Hunt discuss recent board changes and progress here.
For further details, download the Media Release here: