Spyryx Biosciences, which is developing an inhaled peptide for the treatment of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases, has announced the appointment of former Sunovion Head of Clinical Research Alistair Wheeler as Chief Medical Officer, a newly created position. Spyryx’s SPX-101 is currently in Phase 1 development for the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Spyryx President and CEO John Taylor commented, “Alistair’s extensive background in successfully translating, developing and shepherding respiratory products to approval makes him the ideal clinician to lead the clinical development efforts for our novel peptide therapeutics, both in cystic fibrosis and the other respiratory diseases we are attempting to treat.”
Wheeler said, “Spyryx has made extraordinary progress in getting SPX-101 into the clinic so rapidly, a great testament to the existing leadership team at Spyryx. It is the caliber of this team and the quality of the science that led to me becoming so excited to be joining the team at this key inflection point. I look forward to building on that momentum and moving forward with the product into advanced clinical studies. I share the company’s commitment and passion for making a difference in the lives of CF patients and their families.”
SPX-101 is a SPLUNC1-derived peptide initially developed at the University of North Carolina. According to the company, pre-clinical testing has shown that the therapy can improve mucociliary clearance in animal models.
Read the Spyryx Biosciences press release.
