Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Appoints Industry Veteran Michael J. Kamdar to Board Amid Clinical Trial Advancements

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed Michael J. Kamdar to its Board of Directors, strengthening the company's leadership as it advances its pipeline of targeted therapies for hematologic cancers and antibody drug conjugates for solid tumors. Mr. Kamdar brings over 35 years of international leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors, having orchestrated business deals worth over $1.5 billion and raised more than $750 million from venture firms and public markets. His expertise spans across notable companies including Molecular Assemblies, Ciclofilin Pharmaceuticals, and Agouron Pharmaceuticals, many of which were later acquired by pharmaceutical giants.

The appointment comes at a critical time for Pacylex as the company progresses its lead drug, zelenirstat, through clinical trials. Zelenirstat represents the first and only clinically validated N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor and has shown promise in early studies, having received both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA for acute myeloid leukemia. Mr. Kamdar expressed particular excitement about oral zelenirstat and the platform of antibody drug conjugate payloads that Pacylex has available, both of which have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for oncology patients.

Dr. Cindy Jacobs, Board Chairperson of Pacylex, welcomed Kamdar's addition, highlighting the valuable expertise and perspectives he brings as the company engages with potential investors and partners for its next growth phase. Pacylex's innovative approach to cancer treatment focuses on inhibiting N-myristoyltransferase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival. The company's lead drug has demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study, with pharmacokinetics supporting once-daily oral dosing and early signs of efficacy.

Pacylex is currently conducting a Phase 2 trial with zelenirstat, building on promising results from earlier studies. Additionally, the company is exploring the potential of NMTis as payloads for antibody drug conjugates, opening up new possibilities for treating solid tumors. This strategic appointment and the advancement of Pacylex's pipeline underscore the growing importance of targeted therapies in oncology as cancer treatment continues to evolve toward more personalized and effective approaches.

With support from organizations including the US Department of Defense for AML research, and backing from the Cure Cancer Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation, and Alberta Innovates, Pacylex is well-positioned to continue its work in cancer therapeutics. The addition of Michael J. Kamdar to the board signals Pacylex's commitment to bringing its novel oncology treatments to patients as the company moves forward with clinical trials and explores potential partnerships in the coming months and years.