NIJMEGEN, the Netherlands – Wednesday July 1st, 2020
Khondrion, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company discovering and developing therapies targeting mitochondrial disease, today announces the appointment of Dr Herma Renkema as Chief Early Development Officer.
Dr Renkema, who joined Khondrion as a Scientist in 2016, will be responsible for overseeing Khondrion’s preclinical development strategy and for managing the day-to-day operations of the Company’s laboratories. Dr. Renkema is a specialist in medical biology with extensive experience in mitochondrial biochemistry having previously held positions at the University of Amsterdam, the Institute of Medical Technology in Tampere, Finland, and the RadboudUMC, Nijmegen. She has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Amsterdam and has contributed to over 40 publications on mitochondrial function and disease.
Dr. Herma Renkema said: “Khondrion is at an exciting stage in its development, as it focuses on advancing its pipeline in mitochondrial diseases to bring potential new treatments to patients. The Company’s progress so far is testament to its ability to rapidly develop its pipeline and I look forward to working with the team to deliver transformative medicines and improve outcomes for patients living with these devastating rare diseases.”
Prof. Dr. Jan Smeitink, Chief Executive Officer at Khondrion, said: “Herma brings in-depth experience in mitochondrial biochemistry to the Company and will, as a member of Khondrion’s leadership team with responsibility for the early-stage pipeline, play an important role in the development of the Company to support our goal of finding potential medicines for patients with mitochondrial diseases. Khondrion continues to make important progress, with our lead asset, Sonlicromanol, currently in Phase IIb development to treat a range of mitochondrial diseases.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Julien Beyrath who served as our CSO until recently, for all his scientific input, dedication and support assisting us in progressing Sonlicromanol into clinical development. Julien has decided to follow a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity and long-standing dream to travel the world with his family.”
Dr. Julien Beyrath said: “After spending eight years dedicated to Khondrion‘s mission I have taken the difficult decision to quench my thirst for wanderlust and to use this year-long family adventure to recalibrate my focus and prepare other projects close to my heart. It’s been an extraordinary ride with a fabulous team. I leave the Company at a very exciting time and am confident they will soon succeed in bringing effective solutions to patients suffering from mitochondrial disease.”