Syndax Pharmaceuticals appoints Luke Evnin to board

Dr Luke Evnin has joined the board of directors at oncology specialists Syndax Pharmaceuticals.

He replaces Dr Steven St Peter as the company prepares to bring its lead product entinostat into phase III testing.

"We are thankful to Steven for his commitment over the past few years and we are excited to have Luke join the board given his experience and track record of building cutting-edge biotechnology companies since 1990," said Dennis Podlesak, chair of the Syndax board of directors.

Dr Evnin has been managing director at venture capital investors MPM Capital since 1997, focusing on global healthcare investing.

Previously, he served at Accel Partners for over seven years including four as a general partner.

Other current positions include serving as director of Enteromedics, Pacira, NeuroTherapeutics Pharma and Oxagen.

Of Syndax' potential, Dr Evnin said: "If the randomised phase II data is confirmed in a phase III trial, entinostat, an oral HDAC, will be a new and compelling option to allow women to remain successfully treated with hormone therapy, the standard of care for metastatic breast cancer.

“I am looking forward to contributing to moving this promising oncology product candidate forward and building a company that can maximise its impact for patients."