Karolinska Development's SVF Vaccines Taps Dr. Gaston Picchio as Acting CEO

Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV), a Nordic life sciences investment company, has announced the appointment of Dr. Gaston Picchio as the acting CEO of its portfolio company, SVF Vaccines. This strategic move comes as SVF Vaccines continues to develop tomorrow's vaccines for the prevention and treatment of serious infectious diseases. With Dr. Picchio's extensive experience in clinical virology and vaccine development, the company is poised to accelerate its growth and innovation.

Dr. Picchio brings over 30 years of experience in clinical virology to SVF Vaccines, having worked at prestigious institutions such as the Scripps Research Institute, Johnson & Johnson, and Arbutus Biopharma. His expertise in developing antivirals and vaccines for HIV, HCV, and Zika, coupled with his leadership in developing novel therapeutic combinations for chronic hepatitis B, positions him well to guide SVF Vaccines' mission.

SVF Vaccines' portfolio includes a universal Covid-19 vaccine candidate, SVF-002, which has shown promising results in a phase 1 study. The DNA vaccine, designed to engage a broad neutralizing response against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, has also been designed to induce a T-cell response capable of eliminating cells in which the virus is present. The positive clinical safety and immunogenicity data from the phase 1 study, presented at the annual meeting of the International Society for Vaccines in Seoul, South Korea, underscores the potential of SVF-002 in combating Covid-19 and other infectious diseases.

Dr. Picchio's appointment comes as SVF Vaccines continues to build momentum in its vaccine development efforts. With a 34% ownership stake in the company, Karolinska Development is committed to supporting SVF Vaccines' growth and success. The company's focus on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region, developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams, aligns perfectly with SVF Vaccines' mission.

As SVF Vaccines continues to develop its vaccine portfolio, investors will be watching closely to see how Dr. Picchio's leadership impacts the company's strategic direction and growth prospects. With his extensive experience in antiviral and vaccine development, Dr. Picchio is well-positioned to drive SVF Vaccines' success in the competitive life sciences sector.

In conclusion, Karolinska Development's appointment of Dr. Gaston Picchio as acting CEO of SVF Vaccines signals a commitment to driving innovation and growth in the life sciences sector. With Dr. Picchio's expertise in clinical virology and vaccine development, SVF Vaccines is poised to make significant strides in its mission to develop vaccines for serious infectious diseases. As the company continues to build momentum, investors and market observers alike will be eager to see how Dr. Picchio's leadership shapes the future of SVF Vaccines and the broader life sciences landscape.