BerGenBio Appoints Olav Hellebø as CEO

BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in selective AXL kinase inhibitors, has appointed Olav Hellebø as its new CEO, effective November 21, 2024. Hellebø brings over three decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, with a strong track record of success in leading biotech companies, raising capital, and securing strategic partnerships. His appointment signals a strategic move to drive BerGenBio's focused strategy and advance its pipeline, particularly its lead candidate, bemcentinib.

Hellebø's extensive experience in the biotech sector, including roles as CEO of ReNeuron Group PLC and Clavis Pharma ASA, as well as board director positions at Cytovation ASA and Antev Ltd, makes him an ideal fit for BerGenBio. His expertise in capital markets and strategic alliances will be crucial in securing the funding needed to advance bemcentinib through clinical trials for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients with STK11 gene mutations.



Bemcentinib, BerGenBio's candidate drug, targets AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase overexpressed in various cancers, including STK11-mutated NSCLC. STK11 mutations lead to increased AXL expression, promoting tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to treatments. Bemcentinib's selective inhibition of AXL reverses these effects, enhancing the efficacy of existing therapies and potentially improving patient outcomes. By addressing AXL's role in STK11-mutated NSCLC, bemcentinib offers a targeted approach to tackle this aggressive disease.



Hellebø's appointment aligns well with BerGenBio's ongoing clinical trials, such as BGBC016, which is studying STK11m NSCLC patients. His leadership will be instrumental in executing BerGenBio's focused strategy to advance bemcentinib through the next stages of clinical development. With Hellebø at the helm, BerGenBio is poised to accelerate its drug development pipeline and potentially unlock significant value for investors.

In conclusion, BerGenBio's appointment of Olav Hellebø as CEO brings a wealth of biotech experience to the company, which could significantly impact the development and commercialization of bemcentinib. Hellebø's expertise in leading biotech companies, raising capital, and securing partnership deals makes him well-suited to guide BerGenBio through its focused strategy to study STK11m NSCLC patients in its ongoing Ph1b/2a BGBC016 trial. This appointment signals a vote of confidence in BerGenBio's AXL inhibition approach and could enhance the company's ability to deliver on its strategic goals.