Calidi Biotherapeutics has announced the appointment of Eric Poma, Ph.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the biotechnology company focused on developing innovative cancer therapies. Effective April 22, Poma will lead the organization's clinical growth strategy, bringing over three decades of industry experience to the role.
Poma's extensive background in biotechnology includes a notable tenure at Molecular Templates, where he demonstrated substantial leadership capabilities. During his previous role, he successfully raised over $250 million and established strategic partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies including Takeda, Vertex, and Bristol Myers Squibb. His appointment comes at a critical juncture as Calidi prepares to advance its systemic virotherapy platform and initiate a dose-escalation trial for its CLD-201 treatment targeting solid tumors.
The leadership transition represents a strategic move for Calidi Biotherapeutics, which specializes in developing proprietary stem cell-based platforms designed to enhance immune system responses against cancer. The company's innovative approach involves utilizing allogeneic stem cells capable of delivering oncolytic viruses, with potential applications in treating high-grade gliomas and other solid tumor malignancies.
Poma's expertise is expected to be instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of clinical development. The off-the-shelf, universal cell-based delivery platforms developed by Calidi aim to protect, amplify, and potentiate oncolytic viruses, potentially improving treatment efficacy and patient safety. By targeting disseminated solid tumors, the company's preclinical virotherapies could represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment strategies.
The appointment of Poma signals Calidi's commitment to accelerating its clinical research and development efforts. His proven track record of raising capital and forging strategic partnerships suggests the company is positioning itself for potential breakthrough developments in cancer immunotherapy. As the organization moves forward, Poma's leadership will be crucial in translating its innovative scientific platforms into potential life-changing treatments for patients battling complex and challenging forms of cancer.
