On July 5, 2018 GT Biopharma Inc. (OTCQB: GTBP) (Euronext Paris: GTBP) reported the promotion of Dr. Raymond W. Urbanski MD, PhD, to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board effective immediately (Press release, GT Biopharma , JUL 5, 2018, View Source [SID1234539528]).
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Dr. Urbanski joined the company in September 2017 as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). He was promoted to President and CMO on May 5, 2018 in recognition for being instrumental in driving key milestones and initiatives which included being a major factor in developing a strong working relationship with the University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, the epicenter of innovation for the TriKE and TetraKE platforms, including the transitioning the first TriKE IND from the University of Minnesota to GT Biopharma while engaging the FDA in preparation for human clinical testing to begin in 2H 2018; implementing processes to expedite the identification and development of future tumor antigen targets; and driving forward our Bi-specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate platform which included the formation of our Antibody-Drug Conjugate Clinical Advisory Board.
Since that time, Dr. Urbanski has continued to push the key programs forward while implementing necessary internal processes and controls to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the organization.
"The platform technologies that GT Biopharma has put together from the University of Minnesota has had a major impact on me coming on board. To me, it represented cutting-edge science. We continue to advance the GT Biopharma assets, including the TriKE technology, which I view as the protein version of CAR-T. The TriKEs and TetraKEs will work not only in liquid tumors like current CAR-T therapies, but will work in solid tumors as well, which represents about 80% of patients. More importantly, this novel targeted immunotherapy will have better economics. We continue to progress these assets and I look forward to sharing with our shareholders the corporate developments that are currently happening," said Dr. Urbanski.
Prior to joining GT Biopharma, Dr. Urbanski spent eight years with Pfizer; holding several positions of increasing responsibility with the company, including Vice President/CMO of the Established Products Business Unit, senior medical director of oncology clinical R&D, senior medical director of breast cancer products, and medical director of diversified products.
He has been involved in every phase of drug development and brings extensive experience in developing and overseeing clinical studies, including studies for sunitinib (Sutent), exemestane (Aromasin), irinotecan (Camptosar), epirubicin (Ellence), axitinib, IGF1R inhibitor, and tremelimumab.
In addition to his role with Pfizer, Dr. Urbanski served as Chief Medical Officer of Mylan Inc., Chief Medical Officer of Metabolex Inc., and Senior Director of US Medical Affairs for Aventis.
Dr. Urbanski will continue to represent the company at key international meetings such as the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) (Free ASH Whitepaper) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) conferences; investor conferences; and by recruiting top-tier colleagues, Scientific Advisory Board members, and consultants.