Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Board with Addition of Veteran Life Science Executive Michael J. Kamdar

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on developing N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTis) for cancer treatment, has announced the appointment of Michael J. Kamdar to its Board of Directors. This addition brings over 35 years of international leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors to the company's strategic decision-making body.

Mr. Kamdar's extensive background includes founding, leading, and serving on the boards of several notable life science companies. His track record boasts over $1.5 billion in business deals and more than $750 million raised from venture firms and public markets. This wealth of experience is expected to be instrumental as Pacylex advances its lead drug, zelenirstat, through clinical trials and explores partnerships for its antibody drug conjugate (ADC) payload platform.

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for Pacylex, as the company progresses its innovative cancer therapies. Zelenirstat, the first clinically validated NMTi, has already shown promise in Phase 1 trials for lymphoma and solid tumors, demonstrating an acceptable safety profile and early signs of efficacy. The drug has received both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), underscoring its potential impact on cancer treatment.

Mr. Kamdar's expertise in business development and fundraising could prove crucial for Pacylex as it seeks to attract investors and partners to support the next stages of drug development. His insights into the oncology treatment landscape may help guide the company's strategy in bringing its novel therapies to market.

The addition of Mr. Kamdar to the board also coincides with a transition in company leadership, as co-founder Dr. John Mackey steps down from his role as Executive Director while continuing to serve as Chief Medical Officer. This restructuring suggests a strategic shift towards commercialization and partnership development, areas where Mr. Kamdar's experience could prove invaluable.

As the only clinical-stage company developing NMTis for hematologic cancers and as ADC payloads for solid tumors, Pacylex's innovative approach to cancer treatment has the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes. The company's progress and the strengthening of its board signal a promising direction for targeted cancer therapies and highlight the evolving landscape of oncology drug development.