Fort Collins, CO, USA – October 23, 2024 – PhotonPharma Inc., a leader in autologous cancer immunotherapies, has announced the appointment of Derek Brown as its new Chief Executive Officer. With over 25 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical sector, Derek brings extensive strategic, operational, and financial expertise to lead PhotonPharma’s next phase of growth. He succeeds Alan Rudolph, who will step down after achieving successful FDA clearance and will continue serving on the Board of Directors.
PhotonPharma, which received FDA clearance earlier this year to conduct a first-in-human clinical study of its investigational autologous vaccine, Innocell™, for women with stage III/IV ovarian cancer, is poised for its next growth phase under Derek’s leadership.
Before joining PhotonPharma, Derek served as Global Commercial Development Lead at Rallybio, where he established the company’s commercial vision, capabilities, and operational plans. He played a pivotal role in communicating these plans to investors and business development partners, creating a solid foundation for future commercial success. His prior experience includes leadership roles at Chiasma, where he helped prepare the company for its first commercial launch and facilitated its successful sale to Amryt Pharma. At Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Derek led the global commercialization of Ultomiris® and marketing efforts for Soliris®. He further developed his expertise in product launches, new product planning, and market access during his 12-year tenure at Boehringer Ingelheim in both the U.S. and Germany.
Derek holds a BA in Cellular Structure and Function and Economics from Middlebury College, and an MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Terry Opgenorth, Chairman of the Board at PhotonPharma, expressed his confidence in Derek’s leadership: “**Derek’s leadership and deep understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry make him the perfect fit for PhotonPharma as we advance the clinical development of our cancer therapy platform, Innocell™. His track record of commercial success and ability to lead teams through critical product phases will be key as we work to bring this groundbreaking treatment to patients.”
Derek shared his enthusiasm: “I’m honored to lead PhotonPharma at such a pivotal time in the company’s journey. PhotonPharma’s differentiated and novel cancer immunotherapy programs show great promise to improve the outcomes for patients with solid tumors. I look forward to working closely with the talented team and with the City of Hope as we prepare to launch our first Phase 1 study.”
About PhotonPharma:
PhotonPharma is committed to developing innovative autologous cancer therapies that leverage the body’s immune system to combat disease. The company’s lead product, Innocell™, is focused on providing a personalized, safe, and effective therapy for various solid organ tumors. In February 2024, PhotonPharma received FDA clearance for its first Phase 1 study in the U.S., targeting stage III/IV ovarian cancer patients. The study, conducted in collaboration with the City of Hope in Los Angeles, aims to assess the safety, tolerability, and immune response indicators of Innocell™ in patients. PhotonPharma anticipates initiating patient enrollment shortly.
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