COUR Pharmaceuticals Names Dannielle Appelhans as New CEO

COUR Pharmaceuticals Names Dannielle Appelhans as New CEO

by John Conrad| Aug 5, 2024| NewsBrief

COUR Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, has announced a significant leadership transition. Founder John J. Puisis will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer, handing the reins to current Chief Operating Officer Dannielle Appelhans, effective September 1, 2024.

Puisis, who founded COUR over a decade ago, will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors and act as an advisor through the end of 2024. Under his leadership, COUR has advanced multiple investigational new drugs (INDs) through clinical studies and secured strategic partnerships.

Appelhans joined COUR as COO in 2023 and has since played a crucial role in shaping the company's corporate strategy. Her extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry includes previous roles as CEO of Rubius Therapeutics and senior positions at Novartis and Eli Lilly. Appelhans holds advanced degrees from MIT and the University of Michigan.

The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for COUR, following a successful $105 million Series A funding round earlier this year. The company is currently conducting clinical trials for treatments targeting Myasthenia Gravis and Type 1 Diabetes, while also maintaining partnerships for products addressing Celiac Disease and Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

COUR's proprietary technology focuses on developing antigen-specific immune tolerance therapies, aiming to reprogram the immune system to address the root causes of various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. The company's nanoparticle-based approach has shown promise in multiple clinical and preclinical programs.

As COUR moves forward under new leadership, it aims to expand its portfolio and advance its clinical programs to later stages. The ultimate goal remains to deliver innovative, life-changing treatments to patients suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for COUR Pharmaceuticals as it continues to grow and pursue its mission of developing novel therapies for challenging medical conditions.

Read the Press Release

--

This article was originally published on iBIO NewsBrief. Gain a head start on your day with iBIO NewsBrief. Subscribe to receive top industry headlines delivered straight to your inbox.