Commit Biologics appoints new chief scientific officer

Commit Biologics, a pioneering biotech company focused on harnessing the power of the complement system to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, has made a significant announcement. The company has appointed Mikkel Wandahl Pedersen as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), marking a strategic move to enhance its research and development capabilities. This appointment not only underscores Commit Biologics’ commitment to advancing its Bispecific Complement Engaging (BiCE) technology but also highlights the company’s growing presence in the biotech industry.

The Significance of the Appointment

Mikkel Wandahl Pedersen brings over 20 years of experience in immuno-oncology and autoimmune drug discovery. His tenure as CSO at Nykode Therapeutics in Oslo, where he developed and implemented a new research strategy, expanded the research team, and fostered essential partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, is particularly noteworthy. Prior to his role at Nykode, Pedersen held the position of CSO at Symphogen in Ballerup, Denmark, where he was responsible for a wide array of R&D functions related to antibody discovery, leading the discovery process, preclinical studies, and translational pharmacology.

Pedersen’s Expertise

Pedersen’s extensive background in antibody drug discovery is a significant asset for Commit Biologics. His experience includes contributing to numerous oncology antibody initiatives from conception through to eight clinical-stage programs. Additionally, he has played a key role in various preclinical and discovery projects across oncology, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. His most recent role at Nykode Therapeutics saw him instrumental in developing and implementing a new research strategy, expanding the research team, and fostering essential partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

The Role of the CSO at Commit Biologics

As CSO, Pedersen will be responsible for leading the company’s R&D efforts, focusing on the development and optimization of its BiCE technology. This technology uses single domain antibodies that bind to the complement protein C1q, directing the complement system in a highly targeted way against cells of interest. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of conventional monoclonal antibodies, enhancing both innate and adaptive immunity against tumor cells or immune cells implicated in autoimmune diseases.

The Commit BiCE Platform

Commit Biologics’ Bispecific Complement Engaging (BiCE) technology represents a novel strategy for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. By activating the complement system in a highly selective manner, the BiCE approach has the potential to redefine the treatment of these conditions. The technology uses established antibodies as a basis for developing best-in-class therapeutics, cutting development times and reducing risk. Unlike antibody drug conjugates, T-cell engagers, and CAR-T therapies, which can be limited by toxicities and specific target density considerations, the BiCE technology aims to address these limitations, enabling the development of effective therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Commit Biologics’ Journey

Founded in 2021 as a spin-off from Aarhus University, Commit Biologics has rapidly established itself as a leader in the biotech industry. The company is built on over 30 years of research in the complement system, an underutilized aspect of the immune response. The founding team combines expertise in antibody development and complement research to develop a new type of therapeutics for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases. The management team brings a wealth of operational experience, including antibody engineering, preclinical development, pipeline advancement, and drug approvals. This academic-industrial collaboration has driven scientific progress within the lab, with a strong academic background in highly ranked publications and industrial experience from companies like Alexion, J&J, Argenx, and Complement Pharma.

Future Outlook with Pedersen at the Helm

With Pedersen at the helm, Commit Biologics is poised to accelerate its development pipeline. His leadership will be crucial as the company moves forward with its BiCE technology, which has the potential to unlock new therapeutic options for patients suffering from life-threatening conditions. Krishna Polu, MD, CEO of Commit Biologics, expressed enthusiasm about Pedersen’s appointment, stating, “Mikkel’s outstanding leadership and profound scientific knowledge will significantly benefit Commit. His extensive background in antibody drug discovery and his successful experience in building productive R&D teams will be crucial as we approach our drug candidate nomination.”

Nick Laursen, PhD, the founder and a board member of Commit, also commented on Pedersen’s appointment, saying, “Mikkel’s extensive drug development experience and his capabilities as a strong R&D leader will drive the company forward. His leadership as CSO puts us in a prime position to unlock full potential of our Bi platform and innovative therapies for life-threatening conditions.”

Conclusion

The appointment of Mikkel Wandahl Pedersen as the new Chief Scientific Officer at Commit Biologics marks a significant milestone for the company. With his extensive experience in immuno-oncology and autoimmune drug discovery, Pedersen is well-positioned to lead the company’s R&D efforts and advance its BiCE technology. As Commit Biologics continues to push the boundaries of complement system therapy, Pedersen’s leadership will be instrumental in developing impactful treatments for patients suffering from cancer and autoimmune diseases. This appointment not only enhances Commit Biologics’ capabilities but also underscores the company’s commitment to innovation in the biotech industry.

---

References

• Commit Biologics Appoints Mikkel Wandahl Pedersen as Chief Scientific Officer
• About Commit Biologics
• The Complement System