On August 22, 2021 BerGenBio ASA (OSE:BGBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, selective AXL inhibitors for severe unmet medical need, reported the appointment of Martin Olin as new Chief Executive Officer from 8 September 2021 (Press release, BerGenBio, AUG 22, 2021, View Source [SID1234586803]).

Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:

Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing

                  Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!

Following twelve years as CEO of BerGenBio, Richard Godfrey has decided to step down as CEO of the Company with immediate effect to pursue other business interests. Rune Skeie, Chief Financial Officer of BerGenBio, will assume the role of interim CEO until 8 September 2021.

Mr Olin brings more than 20 years of executive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry to BerGenBio. He previously served as CEO of Symphogen, a biotechnology company focused on the development of protein drugs based on recombinant monoclonal antibody mixtures, acquired by Servier in 2020.

Before joining Symphogen in 2012, Mr. Olin was a senior partner with SLS Invest, a Scandinavian based healthcare focused private equity fund. Previously, he held managerial positions in Novo Nordisk including Finance Director, EMEA. Most recently he has served as Managing Partner of Nordic Eye, a Copenhagen based Venture Capital firm.

Sveinung Hole, Chairman of BerGenBio, commented: "Martin brings vast experience as a leader in the life sciences industry with a proven track record of success. BerGenBio has reached a critical phase, with its lead candidate bemcentinib demonstrating promising data and progress in Lung cancer, Leukemia and potentially COVID-19. The Board agrees that Martin is ideally qualified to lead BerGenBio into the next phase of its development.

I would like to thank Richard both personally and on behalf of the BerGenBio team for his dedicated work to the Company over the past twelve years. Richard has played a pivotal role in establishing BerGenBio as a clinical stage company and has guided the Company throughout the challenging backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We wish him every success in the future."

Martin Olin, Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio commented, "BerGenBio has pioneered the understanding of AXL biology and the potential of AXL inhibition as a cornerstone therapy for the treatment of serious diseases. I am very excited to join the Company and look forward to working with the board and team to continue the progression of our lead candidate bemcentinib, as well as the pipeline of drug candidates, through further clinical development and ultimately to the patients we believe will benefit from them."

Richard Godfrey said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my past twelve years at BerGenBio and will keenly watch the progress with bemcentinib as it progresses through the exciting next steps. Now is a natural time for me to hand over to Martin. I wish the Board and whole team every success for the future."