Copenhagen-based MinervaX has appointed Jamila Louahed as Chief Development Officer and Hans Henrik Chrois Christensen as Chief Financial Officer as the company prepares for the next stage of clinical development of its vaccine candidate targeting Group B Streptococcus. Louahed previously held senior roles in vaccine research and development at GSK, with experience across late-stage clinical programmes and regulatory processes, while Christensen has worked in finance leadership positions in life sciences companies, focusing on corporate finance, M&A and operational scaling. MinervaX is developing a prophylactic GBS vaccine for maternal immunisation and older adults, and has reported Phase II clinical data from its maternal programme. The appointments will support preparations for a planned pivotal trial and ongoing development activities as it advances its clinical programme.
MinervaX is a biotechnology company focused on developing prophylactic vaccines against Group B Streptococcus. Founded in 2010 and originating from research at Lund University, the company is developing a protein-based vaccine candidate intended for maternal immunisation as well as potential use in older and at-risk adult populations. Its lead programme is currently in clinical development, with mid-stage studies completed in pregnant participants and early-stage studies conducted in older adults. The company’s work is centered on advancing its vaccine through late-stage clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy in preventing GBS-related disease.
Per Fischer, Chief Executive Officer of MinervaX, said: “Jamila and Hans Henrik join us at an important moment for the company as we prepare for the initiation of our pivotal trial. Their combined expertise in vaccine development and financial strategy will strengthen our ability to execute and deliver on our long-term ambitions. We are united in our commitment to advancing a first‑in‑class GBS vaccine that has the potential to prevent life‑threatening infections affecting families worldwide.”
Jamila Louahed joins from GSK, where she held a senior leadership role in Vaccine Research and Development. She brings over 20 years of experience advancing vaccines from discovery through late-stage development and regulatory approval, with a strong track record in global program execution.
Jamila Louahed, incoming Chief Development Officer of MinervaX, commented: “MinervaX is advancing one of the most promising approaches to GBS. The science is robust, the data are strong, and the program is ready for its next stage of development. Contributing to a vaccine with the potential to reshape outcomes for mothers, infants and older adults is a compelling opportunity.”
Hans Henrik Chrois Christensen brings more than two decades of financial leadership in the life science sector. He has served as CFO in both private and public companies, successfully leading financing strategies and M&A transactions, and supporting organizational growth and operational scale-up.
Hans Henrik Chrois Christensen, incoming Chief Financial Officer of MinervaX, remarked: “MinervaX is at a pivotal point, having made solid progress towards starting its Pivotal trial in the maternal indication, supported by strong advisors and internationally renowned investors. Building the financial and operational strength required at this stage is critical to delivering the first approved GBS vaccine to patients worldwide.”
These appointments build on a period of strong momentum for MinervaX. The Company has generated encouraging Phase II clinical data from its maternal immunization program, supported by preliminary surrogate markers of efficacy from natural history studies. Its protein‑only vaccine, based on fusions of highly immunogenic domains from the Alpha‑like protein family (AlpN), is designed to provide extremely broad protection against virtually all circulating GBS strains. Alongside its maternal program, MinervaX is also advancing development of its vaccine in older adults, having recently completed Phase I. These achievements, together with increasing global awareness of the significant burden of GBS, underscore the urgency of advancing a safe and effective vaccine into late‑stage trials.
Currently, there are no approved vaccines available for GBS, and the disease remains a major global cause of maternal and infant illness, amounting to an estimated 410,000 cases, and 147,000 stillbirths and infant deaths each year. This rising burden highlights the global importance of bringing an effective vaccine to patients as rapidly as possible.
Click here to read more community news.
Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/minervax-appoints-jamila-louahed-as-cdo-hans-henrik-chrois-christensen-as-cfo/
