Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP, OTC PINK: HBPCD, FRANKFURT: HBP0) announced the appointments of Helen Middleton as General Counsel and David Browning as Vice President of Clinical Operations, effective immediately. The additions bolster the company's leadership as it prepares for a planned U.S. securities exchange listing and advances L-DOS47 into a Phase IB/Randomized Phase II study (LDOS007) for first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Thomas Mehrling, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Helix BioPharma, emphasized the strategic timing of the appointments. "The next stage of Helix’s evolution demands a different kind of company than the one we were building two years ago," Mehrling said. "As we prepare for our planned U.S. securities exchange listing and advance L-DOS47 into its next stage of clinical development, we are deliberately strengthening every part of the organization." He further noted that with the preparation of the base shelf prospectus and completion of the auditor review for second-quarter financials, the company is executing a clear capital markets roadmap.
Helen Middleton brings over 30 years of experience in pharmacy, law, and global life sciences. A qualified life sciences lawyer and registered clinical pharmacist, she has held senior legal roles at Sidley Austin LLP, Matheson LLP, Mundipharma International, Ipsen, and Abcam, and most recently served as Legal Consultant to Kyowa Kirin International. As General Counsel, she will oversee legal affairs, governance, compliance, and strategic transactions to support the company's clinical advancement and planned U.S. listing.
David Browning brings more than 30 years of experience leading global clinical development programs. He has overseen over 30 Phase I-III clinical studies across immunotherapies, targeted therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and other modalities. His leadership spans North America, Europe, Latin America, South Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. As Vice President of Clinical Operations, Browning will lead operational planning and execution of Helix’s clinical programs, including LDOS007, and expand capabilities for future pipeline growth.
Middleton expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity: "The most exciting opportunities in biopharma are created when strong science is matched by strong execution. Helix has reached an important point in its evolution, and I look forward to helping build the legal and governance framework that supports the Company’s clinical and corporate ambitions." Browning added, "The opportunity ahead for Helix is compelling. The Company has built an encouraging clinical foundation for L-DOS47, and I look forward to helping execute its next stage of development with the operational excellence required to bring this program forward, and, ultimately, to patients."
Helix BioPharma is a clinical-stage oncology company focused on hard-to-treat cancers. Its lead candidate, L-DOS47, is a Tumor Defense Breaker™ antibody-enzyme conjugate designed to prime CEACAM6-expressing tumors for increased sensitivity to therapy. The company also advances pre-IND candidates LEUMUNA™ and GEMCEDA™. For more information, visit https://www.helixbiopharma.com/.
These appointments mark a milestone in preparing Helix for its next phase of clinical development and capital markets execution, as the company continues to create long-term value for patients and shareholders.
