Words by Isabel O’Brien
Warner Biddle has been appointed as CEO, Kyverna Therapeutics, following the resignation of Peter Maag this week, who has resigned from his role as CEO and a member of the Board, effective immediately.
Kyverna, a biopharma focused on cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, has announced significant leadership changes to support its next phase of growth. Biddle, a seasoned pharmaceutical executive with more than 30 years’ experience, will also join the company’s board of directors. So will Christi Shaw, a prominent life sciences leader and former CEO of Kite Pharma, from which Biddle joins.
The appointments mark a strategic move as Kyverna prepares to bring its lead CAR T-cell therapy, KYV-101, into later stages of development and market preparation. KYV-101 has shown promising results in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, particularly in conditions such as stiff person syndrome and myasthenia gravis. With a potential to address the needs of over eight million patients with B cell-driven autoimmune disorders, the therapy is poised for broader clinical and commercial impact.
Warner Biddle brings a wealth of commercial expertise to Kyverna, having previously led major product launches for Kite, including the successful commercialisation of two CAR T-cell therapies in the haematology space. Biddle’s leadership at Kite, a subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, included a temporary role as interim CEO, where he oversaw research, development and commercial functions following Christi Shaw’s departure from the role.
Ian Clark, Chairman, Kyverna Board of Directors, expressed confidence in the new leadership team. “I am delighted to welcome Warner Biddle, who brings a broad set of experiences which are the right fit to guide Kyverna into the future.” He added that Christi Shaw also brings a distinguished background in leading pharmaceutical giants, including Kite, Eli Lilly and Novartis.
On his latest role, Biddle expressed relish for the challenge ahead. “I am excited to join the company at this pivotal stage in its growth,” he said. “I am eager to work alongside this team to extend the reach of CAR T therapies to many more patients and bring them the innovations they are waiting for.” With a growing pipeline, Kyverna is hoping to make a significant impact in the field of cell therapy over the coming years.
