Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of innovative drugs targeting G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in immuno-oncology (IO), today announced that it is strengthening its scientific team with the appointment of Dr. Xavier Leroy as CSO.
Based on his widely recognized expertise in GPCRs and immunology, Dr. Leroy joined Domain Therapeutics as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in 2019 to identify and select strategic targets to expand the immuno-oncology pipeline of the company. From now on, Xavier Leroy will lead the Research and will be in charge of turning the company into a clinical-stage biopharma.
“Xavier’s tremendous expertise and knowledge of GPCRs and immuno-oncology have already significantly contributed to positioning the company as a leader in the field of treatments against GPCR-mediated immunosuppression. With new responsibilities and goals in mind, and as part of the executive team, Xavier will foster the development of new therapeutic approaches at a time when Domain is accelerating its transition towards a clinical-stage company, based on its exclusive pipeline of GPCR therapeutics in immuno-oncology. The whole team is delighted to take this step with Xavier.” said Pascal Neuville, CEO of Domain Therapeutics.
“I am grateful to bring the transformative impact of GPCR science to improve cancer treatment. The prospect of bringing into the clinic first-in-class candidates targeting brand new GPCRs in immuno-oncology is very exciting,” said Dr. Xavier Leroy. “I am proud to be part of this adventure and contribute to writing the next chapters of Domain Therapeutics, the GPCR-for-IO company”.
After a post-doctoral fellowship at Novartis Switzerland, Dr. Leroy started his career at Axovan AG Switzerland. He then spent more than thirteen years at Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd now J&J. As associate director, he developed multiple GPCR-targeting programs in the field of neuroscience and inflammation, four in clinical development and one that reached the market. More recently as head of drug discovery at Belgium, and now US-based iTeos Therapeutics Inc Nasdaq: ITOS, he oversaw the development of the company’s immuno-oncology portfolio, bringing an adenosine antagonist candidate into the clinic. Xavier Leroy was instrumental in raising a $75M series B. He is a member of the management committee of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology COST where he actively participates in the European Research Network on Signal Transduction (ERNEST).
