On December 21, 2021 Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) reported that Thomas (Tom) C. Heineman, M.D., Ph.D., has been promoted to the role of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) (Press release, Oncolytics Biotech, DEC 21, 2021, View Source [SID1234597534]). Dr. Heineman has over two decades of experience leading clinical development programs and previously served as Oncolytics’ Global Head of Clinical Development and Operations.
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"Tom’s clinical expertise, deep understanding of oncology drug development, and impressive track record make him an ideal fit as our CMO," said Dr. Matt Coffey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics Biotech Inc. "Since joining Oncolytics in August 2020, Tom has provided crucial insights that have enabled the efficient advancement of our lead breast cancer program and facilitated our pipeline’s expansion into additional indications. Looking forward, Tom’s strategic guidance will continue to be an invaluable asset as we move towards a registration study in metastatic breast cancer and advance our broader pipeline."
Dr. Heineman added, "The opportunity to serve as Oncolytics’ CMO is exciting. Pelareorep’s ability to recruit anti-cancer immune cells into tumors and promote an inflamed microenvironment positions it as a potential immunotherapeutic backbone that can enable the success of a wide range of immuno-oncology agents. We have demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept in several high unmet need indications and are now building on these results in ongoing trials. As CMO, I look forward to leading the clinical development of pelareorep through these and future trials, and to my continued work alongside my highly talented colleagues at Oncolytics."
Prior to joining Oncolytics, Dr. Heineman was Senior Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at Denovo Biopharma. Prior to his time at Denovo, he served as Vice President and Head of Clinical Development at both Genocea Biosciences and Halozyme Therapeutics. At Halozyme, Dr. Heineman was also Head of Translational Medicine and oversaw clinical trials in indications such as breast and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Heineman’s experience further extends to big pharma and academia, as he previously worked as Senior Director, Global Clinical Research and Development at GlaxoSmithKline and as an Associate Professor at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Dr. Heineman has co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and is board certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. He completed his fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health and his internship and residency at the University of Maryland. Dr. Heineman earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Virology at the University of Chicago.