ORCA Therapeutics BV appoints Dr. Wenliang Dong as new CEO
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, November 30, 2023
ORCA Therapeutics BV, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing oncolytic immunotherapies for cancer treatment, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Wenliang Dong (Ph.D., MBA) as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2023. Dr. Dong will lead ORCA in its mission to advance innovative cancer treatments, building upon the success of the Phase I/IIA clinical trial with ORCA-010 in prostate cancer.
Having been an integral part of ORCA’s leadership team, Dr. Dong brings a wealth of experience in oncolytic viruses, gene therapy and translational development, positioning the company for continued success.
The board believes that Dr. Wenliang Dong’s operational and communication skills, combined with his strong leadership abilities, will help the company deliver on operational performance, its mission to translate scientific discoveries into impactful therapeutic solutions, and contribute to advancements in cancer treatment for patients with unmet medical need.
With the appointment as CEO of ORCA, Dr. Dong takes over this position from Dr. Kees Groen, who will remain on the Board of Directors as CFO. Mr. Jan van der Hoeven, who held the position of CFO, will retire as of December 1st, 2023.
Dr. Wenliang Dong conveyed his enthusiasm about the opportunity, expressing, “I am honored to lead ORCA Therapeutics into its next phase of development. Our dedicated focus on oncolytic immunotherapies holds great promise for patients, and I eagerly anticipate driving innovation and working together to enhance patient outcomes. It has been a great journey so far with Mr. Van der Hoeven and Dr. Groen and I thank them for their continued support.”
About ORCA-010
ORCA-010 stands at the forefront of oncolytic adenovirus technology, representing a cutting-edge and promising treatment modality in the landscape of cancer therapy. This potent oncolytic immunotherapy not only directly addresses tumors but also assumes a pivotal role in cultivating an immunologically conducive tumor microenvironment. The Phase I/IIA trial of ORCA-010 concentrates on early-stage prostate cancer patients without prior treatment, showcasing ORCA’s commitment to advancing therapeutic options. Clinical findings not only underscore the clinical potential of ORCA-010, but also reveal a profound and consistent impact on the tumor microenvironment, creating a more immunostimulatory milieu. These compelling outcomes strategically position ORCA-010 for further development in cancer indications where immune environment activation is essential. Moreover, its potential in combination with checkpoint inhibitors makes it a promising candidate for indications requiring a synergistic therapeutic approach.
About ORCA Therapeutics BV
ORCA Therapeutics BV is at the cutting edge of immuno-oncology therapeutic development, specializing in oncolytic viruses and groundbreaking gene therapy techniques. Devoted to turning scientific discoveries into actionable therapeutic solutions, the company is committed to addressing unmet medical needs and improving the well-being of patients worldwide. Learn more about our mission and endeavors at www.orca-therapeutics.com .
For Additional Details and Media Queries, Please Contact:
Dr. Wenliang Dong, Ph.D. MBA
Email: info@orca-therapeutics.com
Website: www.orca-therapeutics.com