ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NeoImmuneTech, Inc., a T cell-focused immunotherapeutics company, today announced the appointment of Gene Namgoong as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr. Namgoong has been with NeoImmuneTech since 2014 and, in addition to serving as General Counsel since 2016, he has played an instrumental role in supporting the CEO with company operations at NeoImmuneTech’s U.S. headquarters. As the company’s COO, Mr. Namgoong will play a key role in advancing its business operations and shaping its corporate culture, as well as partnering with other executives to further refine the development strategy for its lead drug candidate, Hyleukin-7™.
“Mr. Namgoong’s leadership and expertise have been central to NeoImmuneTech thus far, and we look forward to his continued support of our company’s rapid growth in his new role,” said Se Hwan Yang, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of NeoImmuneTech. “His proven track record in various aspects of company operations, which goes well beyond his prior official role of General Counsel, gives me confidence that he is well suited for the role and will be a great addition to our excellent management team.”
“Having spent the last six years working at NeoImmuneTech and witnessing firsthand its growth from inception to becoming a highly competent and effective biotech company, developing novel immunotherapeutics like Hyleukin-7, I have immense confidence in the company’s mission and team,” said Mr. Namgoong. “Stepping into this new role, I am enthusiastic to begin tackling new opportunities to bolster NeoImmuneTech’s operations as we continue to grow, and to work with the team to further refine the strategic direction for the company.”
Mr. Namgoong joined NeoImmuneTech in 2014 as a legal advisor, later assuming the critical role of General Counsel in 2016. As NeoImmuneTech’s General Counsel, Mr. Namgoong held a range of responsibilities including advising management, the board, and company on key legal matters, as well as various other company operations. Prior to joining NeoImmuneTech, Mr. Namgoong served as a legal advisor for JK BioPharma Solutions, Inc., a Maryland-based biotech company where he acquired extensive knowledge in the field of biotechnology. In addition, he worked at several law firms focusing on representing international businesses seeking to operate in the U.S. Mr. Namgoong holds a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law and a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin.
About Hyleukin-7™
Hyleukin-7™ (rhIL-7-hyFc, NT-I7), an immuno-oncology agent, is a T cell growth factor composed of a covalently linked homodimer of engineered Interleukin-7 (IL-7) molecule, biologically fused with the proprietary long-acting platform - hyFc™. IL-7 is known to be a critical factor for T cells homeostasis, acting to increase both the number and functionality of T cells. Hyleukin-7 amplifies and reinvigorates persistent T cell immunity in the treatment of patients with cancer and lymphopenia, thus providing unique opportunities for immuno-oncology (IO) combination strategies. Hyleukin-7 is being developed as an “IO enabling” therapy to harness T cell immunity in combination with current cancer treatments such as anti-PD-(L)1 agents or chemo/radiotherapy as well as next generation IO therapeutics.
About NeoImmuneTech
NeoImmuneTech (NIT) is developing T cell-focused immunotherapeutics designed to prime, enhance and extend the activity of current and future therapies in cancer and infectious diseases. Our lead product, Hyleukin-7™, a T cell growth factor, has the potential to amplify and prolong anti-tumor activity, which is pivotal to extending survival of cancer patients. Hyleukin-7 is being studied in multiple clinical trials in solid tumors, and being planned for testing in hematologic malignancies, additional solid tumors and other immunology-focused indications. www.neoimmunetech.com
NIT is a U.S.-based company developing Hyleukin-7 for the U.S. and European markets in collaboration with Korean-based Genexine.
