BOSTON– Cue Biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: CUE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic biologics that selectively modulate disease-specific T cells for autoimmune disease and cancer, announced today that Usman “Oz” Azam, M.D., has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 29, 2025. Daniel Passeri will transition from his role as CEO to become Strategic Advisor to the company.
“This strategic transition in leadership is a timely and important step forward, enhancing the company’s next stage of corporate development with a prioritized focus on autoimmune disease,” said Passeri. “Dr. Azam’s significant experience across the entire drug development value chain, including clinical trial design and execution as well as product launches, is invaluable for advancing our first-in-class tolerogenic drug candidate CUE-401 for autoimmune diseases, our partnered program CUE-501, and for securing strategic partners for our clinical-stage CUE-100 series assets.”
Dr. Azam brings more than 25 years of experience in drug discovery, development, and operations. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Inspirna, Inc., a privately held clinical-stage company focused on oncology. Prior to that, he was CEO of Empyrean Neuroscience and President and CEO of Tmunity Therapeutics, where he helped advance genetically engineered CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors. As Global Head of the Cell and Gene Therapies unit at Novartis, he oversaw development and launch of the first FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapy in hematologic cancers. Earlier in his career, Dr. Azam held leadership positions at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Aspreva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, and GlaxoSmithKline.
“I am very pleased to be taking on the role of CEO and working closely with the Cue Biopharma team at this important stage of the company’s development,” said Dr. Azam. “What has me most excited about joining is CUE-401, a molecule designed to restore immune homeostasis and tolerance, with the potential to disrupt the standard of care in autoimmune disease. I look forward to driving CUE-401 through clinical development and creating value by addressing significant unmet medical need.”
“Cue’s board is pleased to welcome Oz as our new President and CEO,” said Pasha Sarraf, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman of the Board of Cue Biopharma. “As the company focuses on autoimmunity, we believe CUE-401’s tolerogenic mechanism has the potential to become the ‘Keytruda’ for autoimmune disease, enabling deep and durable remissions to free patients from lifelong therapies and chronic disease. The board is energized to partner with Oz to bring this vision to life. Additionally, we extend our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to Dan for his leadership and forward-looking vision navigating the company through the many challenges that have faced the biotech industry over the years. He has provided us with the foundation for continued success and growth.”
