WATERTOWN, Mass. — Nocion Therapeutics has named Matthew Frankel, M.D., MBA, as its new chief medical officer, the company announced Monday. Frankel joins the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm as it progresses its Phase 2b trial of Taplucainium, a potential treatment for refractory chronic cough.
Nocion is developing a novel class of small-molecule sodium channel blockers known as “nocions,” which are designed to selectively target overactive sensory neurons responsible for sensations like cough, itch, and pain, without affecting other nerve functions such as touch or movement.
“We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the senior management team as we advance the development of Taplucainium and further evolve Nocion’s platform,” said Rick Batycky, CEO of Nocion Therapeutics. “His leadership and extensive pharmaceutical experience will be critical as we continue to move forward.”
Frankel brings more than two decades of leadership experience in drug development across major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms. Prior to joining Nocion, he served as chief medical officer at Chemomab, where he led the development of a novel monoclonal antibody for fibrotic and inflammatory diseases through a successful end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA. His earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Sandoz, and Abbott Labs, overseeing clinical development and medical affairs across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, dermatology, and central nervous system diseases.
“I am thrilled to join Nocion at such a pivotal time, as we work toward completing the Phase 2b trial for Taplucainium in refractory chronic cough,” Frankel said. “This platform holds tremendous promise to selectively silence nerves that drive debilitating symptoms like chronic cough and pain, while sparing normal sensory functions.”
Frankel holds a medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a B.A. from Vassar College. He is board-certified in internal medicine.
With Frankel at the helm of its clinical strategy, Nocion aims to advance Taplucainium through later-stage trials and expand its platform’s potential applications for other sensory disorders.
