Helix BioPharma, a clinical-stage oncology company focused on developing treatments for hard-to-treat cancers, has announced two significant leadership appointments aimed at accelerating organizational growth and advancing its research mission.
Veronika Kandziora, appointed as Chief Operating Officer, brings over 20 years of cross-sector leadership experience, including significant prior involvement with Helix. Her background spans biopharma, financial services, and consulting, providing her with a unique perspective on organizational strategy and development. As COO, Kandziora will focus on strengthening the company's operational foundation and ensuring strategic alignment across the organization.
Simultaneously, Dr. Jessica Kourniaktis has been named Director of Communications, bringing a decade of experience in life sciences communications. With an academic background in humanities and a proven track record in strategic storytelling, Kourniaktis will be responsible for articulating Helix's vision and engaging critical stakeholders.
These appointments come at a critical juncture for Helix BioPharma, which is developing innovative oncology treatments targeting challenging solid tumors. The company's lead candidate, Tumour Defence Breaker™ L-DOS47, is a clinical-stage antibody-enzyme conjugate designed to neutralize tumor microenvironments and enhance anti-cancer immune responses.
CEO Thomas Mehrling emphasized the strategic importance of these hires, noting that Kandziora's deep familiarity with the company and Kourniaktis's strategy-first communication approach will be crucial in driving the organization's next phase of development.
The leadership changes reflect Helix's commitment to advancing oncology research through operational excellence and effective communication. By strengthening its executive team, the company aims to accelerate its mission of developing novel therapies for hard-to-treat cancers and bringing innovative treatment options to patients more rapidly.
With these strategic appointments, Helix BioPharma signals its intent to not only advance scientific research but also to improve how that research is understood and communicated to broader audiences, potentially increasing support and awareness for its critical work in oncology.
