Akiram Therapeutics, a Swedish biotech company specializing in targeted radiotherapy, has announced the addition of Anna Törner and Peder Walberg to its board of directors. Their combined expertise in drug development and regulatory affairs fortifies the company’s position as it advances toward the planned clinical trials of an innovative cancer treatment in 2024. Additionally, both Törner and Walberg will be investing in the company.
Akiram Therapeutics has developed 177Lu-AKIR001, a novel targeted radioimmunotherapy with the potential to become a first-in-class treatment in multiple cancer types. The drug candidate has shown promising preclinical results, and the company plans to initiate Phase I clinical trials in 2024.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Anna Törner and Peder Walberg to Akiram’s board,” says Marika Nestor, CEO and co-founder of Akiram Therapeutics. “We are facing important developmental steps, and their investment and commitment to the company are strong indications of confidence in our strategic direction and our ability to realize our goals in cancer treatment.”
Anna Törner, founder of SDS Life Science and SDS MedteQ, is an expert in drug development, with a special focus on regulatory affairs and statistics. She has a comprehensive background in developing regulatory strategies for clinical programs and study designs. Currently, Anna is active as a consultant, specializing in these areas. In addition, she serves on the boards of several companies, including Respiratorius AB (publ) and MedCap AB (publ).
“I am looking forward to supporting Akiram Therapeutics with my strategic regulatory experience. The project is highly promising, and there are several key considerations regarding the regulatory strategy to address in the future. It will be exciting to work closely with Akiram’s competent management, a natural part of board work in smaller companies. I am enthusiastic about contributing to this effort,” Anna Törner comments.
Peder Walberg, a licensed physician and economist, boasts an extensive career in the pharmaceutical industry, with experience in developing and commercializing drugs for rare diseases. His tenure includes key roles at Sobi, Wilson Therapeutics, Immedica, and Egetis Therapeutics. Additionally, Peder is actively engaged in his own consulting and investment ventures and holds board positions at Egetis Therapeutics AB (publ) and Immedica Pharma Holding AB.
“I am delighted to join Akiram as they advance their drug candidate AKIR001 into clinical trials. Targeted radiotherapeutics is a very exciting emerging field, and I believe this project holds great promise to treat a range of rare tumors currently facing a dismal prognosis and lacking effective treatment options. I look forward to working with the team to help bring this project towards the market,” says Peder Walberg.
Marika Nestor concludes, “Anna’s and Peder’s combined experience in drug development and regulatory processes will be important to Akiram. Their skills will significantly contribute to our efforts to develop new treatments in cancer therapy.”
