Immunic appoints new COO and President By Investing.com

NEW YORK – Immunic, Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:), a developer of small molecule therapies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, announced the appointment of Jason Tardio as its new Chief Operating Officer and President, effective July 12, 2024.

Tardio, a veteran in the biopharmaceutical industry with a track record of successful drug launches, will spearhead the preparation for the potential launch of Immunic’s lead drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838).

Tardio’s extensive background includes pivotal roles in the commercialization of multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs at Novartis (SIX:) and Biogen (NASDAQ:), where he was instrumental in launching and managing products that generated significant revenue. His expertise is expected to be critical as Immunic advances its phase 3 ENSURE program for vidofludimus calcium, with phase 2 and phase 3 trial completions anticipated in April 2025 and throughout 2026, respectively.

The company also announced the promotion of Werner Gladdines to Chief Development Officer. Gladdines, who has been with Immunic since January 2021, will oversee strategic and operational responsibilities for the company’s clinical operations.

Immunic’s pipeline includes vidofludimus calcium, an oral treatment currently in clinical trials for relapsing and progressive MS. It has shown promising therapeutic activity and combines neuroprotective effects with anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Immunic is also developing IMU-856, targeting intestinal barrier function, and IMU-381, a preclinical molecule for gastrointestinal diseases.

The appointments come at a time when Immunic is bolstering its leadership team to navigate upcoming clinical milestones and potential commercialization efforts. The information is based on a press release statement from Immunic, Inc.

In other recent news, biotechnology company Immunic, Inc. reported a Q1 2024 loss of $29.6 million or $0.30 per share, contrasting the previous year’s first quarter net loss of $2.3 million or $0.58 per share. Despite this, the firm has made significant strides, including a successful private placement that raised $240 million, expected to fund operations through Q3 2025.

Immunic also revealed positive interim data from the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial of vidofludimus calcium in progressive multiple sclerosis and received a Notice of Allowance for a patent covering this compound.

In addition to these developments, Immunic is preparing for Phase 2 clinical testing of IMU-856 for gastrointestinal disorders. The company anticipates releasing top-line data from the Phase 2 trial for FMS in April 2025 and is expecting a response to the interim futility analysis for the ENSURE program. Immunic is also planning a meeting with US regulators and working on additional indications for IMU-856.

These recent developments highlight Immunic’s robust financial health, underscored by its recent capital raise and a solid cash position of $97.3 million at the quarter’s end. The company’s focus on its clinical pipeline, including the Phase 2 CALLIPER trial and the IMU-856 program, demonstrates its commitment to advancing treatments for progressive multiple sclerosis and gastrointestinal disorders.

InvestingPro Insights

Immunic, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMUX) has been strengthening its executive team in preparation for significant clinical milestones, which is essential for a company that is navigating through a crucial phase of drug development and potential market entry. As investors consider the implications of these leadership changes, InvestingPro data and tips offer a deeper understanding of the company’s financial health and market performance.

InvestingPro Data shows that Immunic has a market capitalization of $104.49 million, reflecting the size of the company in the biopharmaceutical industry. The adjusted Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio stands at -1.11, indicating that the company is not currently profitable. Furthermore, the stock has experienced a one-year price total return of -54.86%, underscoring the volatility and risk that often accompany companies in the drug development stage.

On the operational side, InvestingPro Tips highlight that Immunic holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, which is a positive sign for its financial stability. However, it is also quickly burning through cash, a common scenario for biopharmaceutical firms that are heavily investing in research and development. Additionally, two analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, suggesting that the market should temper expectations for immediate financial performance.

For investors looking to delve deeper into Immunic’s financials and market prospects, InvestingPro offers more than eight additional tips. These insights could be particularly valuable as the company approaches the completion of its phase 3 ENSURE program for its lead drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium. To access these insights, investors can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription, providing a comprehensive analysis that could inform investment decisions during this pivotal time for Immunic.

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