Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Appoints Industry Veteran Michael J. Kamdar to Board Amid Clinical Trial Advancements

Pacylex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed Michael J. Kamdar to its Board of Directors, strengthening the company's leadership during a critical period of clinical development. This strategic move comes as Pacylex advances its pipeline of targeted therapies for hematologic cancers and antibody drug conjugates for solid tumors. Mr. Kamdar brings over 35 years of international leadership experience in the life science and healthcare sectors, having orchestrated business deals worth over $1.5 billion and raised more than $750 million from venture firms and public markets throughout his career.

The appointment occurs at a pivotal moment for Pacylex as the company progresses its lead drug, zelenirstat, through clinical trials. Zelenirstat represents the first and only clinically validated N-myristoyltransferase inhibitor and has shown promise in early studies. The drug has received both Orphan Drug Designation and Fast Track Designation from the FDA for acute myeloid leukemia, highlighting its potential significance in treating this challenging condition. Mr. Kamdar expressed particular excitement about oral zelenirstat and the platform of antibody drug conjugate payloads that Pacylex has developed, noting both have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes for oncology patients.

Dr. Cindy Jacobs, Board Chairperson of Pacylex, welcomed Kamdar's addition to the board, emphasizing the valuable expertise and perspectives he brings during a period when the company is engaging with potential investors and partners for its next growth phase. Pacylex's innovative approach to cancer treatment focuses on inhibiting N-myristoyltransferase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival. The company's lead drug has demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile in a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study, with pharmacokinetics supporting once-daily oral dosing and early signs of efficacy.

Pacylex is currently conducting a Phase 2 trial with zelenirstat, building on promising results from earlier studies. Additionally, the company is exploring the potential of NMTis as payloads for antibody drug conjugates, opening new possibilities for treating solid tumors. This strategic appointment and the advancement of Pacylex's pipeline underscore the growing importance of targeted therapies in oncology as cancer treatment evolves toward more personalized and effective approaches. With support from organizations including the US Department of Defense for AML research, and backing from the Cure Cancer Foundation, Alberta Cancer Foundation, and Alberta Innovates, Pacylex is positioned to continue its work in developing innovative cancer therapeutics that could significantly impact patient outcomes worldwide.