Valion Bio (NASDAQ: VBIO) has announced the appointment of Dean Zikria as interim CEO, along with leadership changes aimed at strengthening alignment and execution as it advances Entolimod and evaluates strategic, commercial, and government opportunities.
Currently a Valion board member, Mr. Zikria will oversee the company’s strategic priorities, including accelerating the clinical advancement of Entolimod and aggressively pursuing commercial and government partnerships. He brings a compelling blend of scientific innovation, pharmaceutical commercialization and emerging biotech experience to Valion’s next phase of growth.
Mr. Zikria’s career began at Columbia University Medical Center, where he co-invented novel therapeutics studied for potential applications in traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic shock and battlefield medicine, and later included seven years at Pfizer, where he held strategy and business development roles within its $7 billion cardiovascular business, supporting a portfolio that included LIPITOR, then the world’s best-selling drug. Today, he remains at the forefront of emerging biotechnology as an advisor and selection committee member for UC Berkeley’s SkyDeck accelerator, evaluating new therapeutic technologies and advising early-stage companies on R&D strategy, financing, leadership and commercialization.
Mr. Zikria commented, “I am honored to assume this expanded role at an important point in Valion’s evolution. Valion has promising development programs and a dedicated team working to translate the company’s science into meaningful outcomes. My immediate priorities are to work closely with Lisa and the rest of our team to maintain momentum, sharpen execution and concentrate our resources on Entolimod and the opportunities we believe offer the greatest potential to create lasting value.”
Lisa Wolf will continue to serve as Valion’s president, COO and CFO, leading the company’s financial and operational functions and reporting to Mr. Zikria.
Valion also announced that Thomas Jensen has been appointed chair of the board and chair of its Compensation Committee. He succeeds Sheryle Bolton, who has stepped down from the board and its committees. In addition, Jared Malbin has been appointed chair of the board’s Audit Committee.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Sheryle for her leadership, service and many contributions to Valion,” Mr. Jensen remarked. “These transitions establish clear accountability and strengthen alignment between our board and management team as Valion enters an important stage of its development. Dean’s familiarity with the company, its programs and its strategic priorities provides continuity while sharpening our focus on disciplined capital allocation, operational execution and long-term shareholder value.”
“Dean brings the experience, judgment and strategic perspective needed to lead Valion during this next phase,” Mr. Jensen continued. “The board looks forward to working closely with him and the broader management team as the company advances Entolimod, evaluates high-potential opportunities and works toward milestones that could create meaningful value for patients and shareholders.”
