Hookipa Biotech Welcomes Head of R&D

Dr Igor Matushansky, MD PhD has joined Hookipa Biotech AG, a company pioneering a new class of immunotherapies for oncology and infectious diseases, as Global Head, Research and Development.

Dr. Matushansky was previously with Daiichi Sankyo as Global Head of Translational Development for Oncology, where he led the international research unit focused on early oncology therapeutic programs, strategy and development. He worked as Global Head for Clinical and Scientific Development at Novartis’ iGene & Cell Therapy Unit and also as a Global Clinical Program Lead within its Oncology Translational Medicine Unit.

Previously a Professor at the Columbia University Medical Center where he focused on the molecular biology, translational opportunities and clinical trials in sarcomas, he is currently an Adjunct Professor of Medical Oncology, Columbia University. He gained his MD and also PhD in Molecular Biology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed fellowships in Medical Oncology and Cancer Biology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Commenting on the appointment, Hookipa’s CEO, Mr. Joern Aldag said: “Dr. Matushansky’s valuable experience heading up R&D units at big pharma coupled with his significant immuno-oncology expertise will be transformative to Hookipa as we expand our Company from prophylactic to therapeutic immuno-oncology focused therapies. His impressive and extensive professional background makes him a perfect fit for our leadership team during an important time in our Company’s growth. I look forward to working together to achieve our goals and strategic priorities for 2017 and beyond.”

Dr. Matushansky said, “TheraT® has real potential both alone and in combination with other immune-modulators and/or targeted therapies to improve not only the current clinical outcomes but the quality of life for a wide array of cancer patients. It’s an exciting time to join the Hookipa team and I am very eager to share my experience in drug development to further its mission to help patients.”