Spanish biotech Aexlis Therapeutics has appointed Dr Thomas Hecht as chairman of its board of directors, a role that will see him support the company in establishing proof-of-concept for its HIV vaccine.
Dr Hecht expertise includes leading value creation processes for stakeholders and deal making with pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
He said: “Aelix Therapeutics has reached a crucial milestone by enrolling the first patient in the phase I clinical trial and I’m thrilled to be joining the company at this exciting time.
“After decades of work to develop a HIV vaccine, I hope to contribute with my experience in building a strong player that I believe has good chances to be amongst the very few which could eventually succeed.”
Dr Hecht has previously served Amgen in various capacities between 1989 and 2002, including head of medical affairs and vice president of marketing at Amgen Europe.
Dr Karen Wagner, member of the board and outgoing chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Hecht, his extensive experience in managing biotech companies and his broad network of contacts in the pharmaceutical industry will be of great value to the future of Aelix.”
He currently serves as chairman of the supervisory board at Affined, chairman of the board of directors at Cell Medica and Vaximm.