VANCOUVER – Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP, OTC PINK: HBPCF, FWB: HBP0), a clinical-stage oncology company, announced the appointment of Markus Loeffler, MD, MBA, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Loeffler brings over three decades of experience in oncology drug development, having led programs from early-stage through regulatory approval. His appointment comes as Helix prepares for a more execution-focused phase, with several programs approaching significant regulatory and clinical milestones.
Dr. Loeffler will oversee the strategy and execution of Helix’s clinical programs, including the planned Phase Ib/II evaluation of L-DOS47 in combination with pembrolizumab for first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). He will also guide LEUMUNA, an oral immune checkpoint modulator, toward clinical development for leukemia relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These programs are central to Helix’s pipeline, which targets difficult-to-treat cancers.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Markus before, and I have seen firsthand his ability to translate innovative science into well-executed clinical development programs,” said Thomas Mehrling, MD, PhD, CEO of Helix. “His expertise will be instrumental as we advance L-DOS47 into its next stage of clinical development and prepare LEUMUNA to enter the clinic.”
Dr. Loeffler’s career includes senior roles at Roche, Advanced Accelerator Applications, Mundipharma, NH TherAguix, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, and SK Life Science. Notably, he led the pivotal Phase III program for Lutathera®, a radiopharmaceutical approved for certain gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. His experience spans small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunotherapies.
“I’m excited to join Helix at such an important stage in its evolution,” said Dr. Loeffler. “The Company’s pipeline combines strong scientific foundations with clear clinical development opportunities. I am particularly enthused by the opportunity to advance L-DOS47 in combination with checkpoint inhibition and to bring LEUMUNA toward its first clinical evaluation.”
Helix BioPharma is focused on developing therapies for underserved patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. Its pipeline includes L-DOS47, a clinical-stage antibody-enzyme conjugate for NSCLC; LEUMUNA, a pre-IND oral immune checkpoint modulator; and GEMCEDA, a pre-IND gemcitabine prodrug for advanced solid tumors. The company’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: HBP), quoted on the OTC Pink Market (HBPCF), and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FWB: HBP0).
The appointment of a CMO with Dr. Loeffler’s track record signals Helix’s commitment to advancing its pipeline efficiently. His leadership is expected to be crucial as the company approaches key clinical milestones, potentially bringing new treatment options to patients with limited alternatives. The company’s forward-looking statements, including plans for L-DOS47, LEUMUNA, and GEMCEDA, are subject to risks and uncertainties as outlined in its filings on SEDAR+.
