Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP, OTC PINK: HBPCF, FRANKFURT: HBP0), a clinical-stage oncology company, announced today the appointment of Markus Loeffler, MD, MBA, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Loeffler brings over three decades of experience in oncology drug development, having led programs from early clinical stages to regulatory approval, including the pivotal Phase III trial for Lutathera®.
The appointment comes as Helix prepares to enter a more execution-focused phase, with multiple programs approaching key regulatory and clinical milestones. As CMO, Dr. Loeffler will lead the strategy and execution of Helix’s clinical programs, including the planned Phase Ib/II evaluation of L-DOS47 in combination with pembrolizumab for first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). He will also guide LEUMUNA™ toward clinical development for leukemia relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
Thomas Mehrling, MD, PhD, CEO of Helix, expressed confidence in the new appointment: “I’ve had the privilege of working with Markus before, and I have seen firsthand his ability to translate innovative science into well-executed clinical development programs. He is an outstanding clinical development leader with a strong track record of advancing innovative oncology therapies through the development pathway. His expertise will be instrumental as we advance L-DOS47 into its next stage of clinical development and prepare LEUMUNA to enter the clinic.”
Dr. Loeffler’s career includes senior roles at Roche, Advanced Accelerator Applications, Mundipharma, NH TherAguix, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, and SK Life Science, where he contributed to the development of small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, radiopharmaceuticals, and immunotherapies. His leadership in the pivotal Phase III program for Lutathera® led to its approval for certain gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
“I’m excited to join Helix at such an important stage in its evolution,” said Dr. Loeffler. “The Company’s pipeline combines strong scientific foundations with clear clinical development opportunities. I am particularly enthused by the opportunity to advance L-DOS47 in combination with checkpoint inhibition and to bring LEUMUNA toward its first clinical evaluation. I look forward to working alongside the team to translate these programs into meaningful new treatment options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.”
Helix BioPharma is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing therapies for underserved patient populations with difficult-to-treat cancers. Its pipeline is led by L-DOS47, an antibody-enzyme conjugate being developed as a combination therapy for NSCLC. Additional candidates include LEUMUNA™, a pre-IND oral immune checkpoint modulator for post-transplant leukemia relapse, and GEMCEDA™, a pre-IND gemcitabine prodrug for advanced solid tumors.
The addition of Dr. Loeffler is expected to strengthen Helix’s clinical development capabilities as the company advances its pipeline toward pivotal trials and potential regulatory submissions. This strategic hire underscores Helix’s commitment to bringing innovative treatments to patients with high unmet medical needs.
For more information about Helix BioPharma and its programs, visit https://www.helixbiopharma.com/.
