Joseph Grosso, Ph.D. Joins Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc. as Chief Scientific Officer

NEW HAVEN, Conn., Sept. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering a new class of immunotherapies utilizing small molecules to activate an individual's own immune system to fight against cancers and infectious diseases, announced today the appointment of Joseph F. Grosso, Ph.D., as Chief Scientific Officer effective immediately. Dr. Grosso brings over 15 years of scientific leadership and experience in advancing immunotherapies through clinical development and has worked on some of the most successful new entrants in the field including nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®).

"Since the early days of his career, Joe has enjoyed an insider's view of the growth and evolution of the immuno-oncology field. His unique perspective, field expertise, and formidable intellect and skills as a scientist are all important assets that will be essential in moving our technology into the clinic," said David Spiegel, M.D. Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Kleo Pharmaceuticals. "We could not be more delighted to have Joe as part of the team."

"Here at Kleo, we are thinking big by going small. The recent breakthroughs in immuno-oncology have been an incredible boon for patients. We can build on these life-changing advancements by generating molecules that pack the punch and specificity of an antibody while being delivered in a package that is many times smaller. I look forward to helping lead the development of these exciting new drugs," said Joseph Grosso, Ph.D.

Prior to joining Kleo, Dr. Grosso served as Director of Immuno-Oncology at Celgene and focused on the clinical development of immuno-oncology platforms, including CAR-T cells. Prior to Celgene, Dr. Grosso was at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he served on the nivolumab (Opdivo®) clinical development team and focused on designing biomarker-intensive clinical trials in novel oncology indications, leading the biomarker effort for nivolumab (Opdivo®) and other IO assets across multiple solid and hematological indications. He was also involved in the design and implementation of the BMS-sponsored International Immuno-Oncology Network.  

Dr. Grosso received his B.S. in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Rochester.  He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami. He conducted his post-doctoral training on novel checkpoint molecules, including LAG-3 and PD-1, in tumor tolerance models at John Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

About Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.  

Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biotechnology company initially formed on the basis of intellectual property from the Spiegel Lab at Yale University. The company was founded by Dr. David Spiegel and Roy Prieb is focused on developing a new class of targeted immunotherapies. The company is based in New Haven, CT. Further information regarding Kleo can be found at: http://kleopharmaceuticals.com.

About Biohaven Pharmaceuticals

Biohaven recently provided Series A funding to Kleo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and entered into a master services agreement to provide clinical development support to help advance Kleo's small molecule, immune based therapeutics called Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Mimics (SyAMS). Biohaven is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company with expertise in late stage clinical development and has a portfolio of multiple late stage drug assets. Biohaven has licensed intellectual property from Yale University, Catalent, ALS Biopharma LLC, and Massachusetts General Hospital. The company has advanced multiple candidates into the clinic and plans on pivotal trials beginning late 2016. Biohaven is owned by a group of investors including Yale University, Portage Biotech Inc. (OTC Market: PTGEF, Canadian Securities Exchange: PBT.U), John W. Childs and other private investors. Further information regarding Biohaven can be found at: http://biohavenpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal and Canadian securities laws. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including statements that are based on the current expectations and assumptions of the Company's management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding the Company's plans and objectives, expectations and assumptions of management are forward-looking statements. The use of certain words, including the words "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "will," "plan," "could," "may" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those that may be expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements including receipt of regulatory approvals and market conditions. The forward-looking statements are made as of this date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact:
Roy Prieb
Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(203) -428-4596 
email: [email protected]
website: www.kleopharmaceuticals.com

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SOURCE Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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