MALVERN, Pa.– Uniquity Bio, a clinical-stage biotech company specializing in immunology and inflammation, has appointed Will Kane as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. The leadership change comes as the company advances its lead candidate, solrikitug, through three Phase II clinical trials and prepares for potential Phase III development.
Kane brings more than 30 years of biopharmaceutical leadership experience to the role, including senior positions at Anthos Therapeutics, Karuna Therapeutics, BioXcel Therapeutics, Allergan, and Pfizer. Most recently, he served as president and chief commercial officer at Anthos Therapeutics, which was acquired by Novartis. He succeeds Brian Lortie, Uniquity’s co-founder and former CEO, who stepped down in June.
“Will’s leadership, combined with his operational and commercial experience, are the right fit for Uniquity at this stage of the organization’s evolution,” said Bill Meury, chairman of the Uniquity Bio board of directors. “The company has tremendous potential, with a seasoned leadership team, an exciting asset in development, and a real need for solrikitug in several different indications.”
Solrikitug is a monoclonal antibody that targets thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a validated driver of inflammation. The therapy is currently being evaluated in Phase II studies for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). The company is also exploring bispecific combinations with solrikitug to enhance its efficacy and broaden its therapeutic reach.
Kiran Reddy, a board member and senior managing director at Blackstone Life Sciences, which backs Uniquity Bio, praised both the leadership transition and the company’s progress. “Uniquity is in a strong position today—clinically, operationally and financially—and Will’s capabilities and expertise will help maximize the success of solrikitug,” he said. “We’re also grateful to founding CEO Brian Lortie for his vision and leadership in building a strong foundation.”
In his first public statement as CEO, Kane expressed confidence in the company’s direction and mission. “I am incredibly confident in the Uniquity Bio team and the potentially transformative impact of solrikitug as a highly potent and valuable anti-TSLP therapy,” he said. “Each step forward brings us closer to getting a much-needed medicine into the hands of millions of people suffering from underserved indications.”
