Helix BioPharma Corp., a clinical-stage oncology company, announced the appointments of Helen Middleton as General Counsel and David Browning as Vice President of Clinical Operations, strengthening its executive leadership as it prepares for a planned U.S. securities exchange listing and the next phase of clinical development for its lead asset, L-DOS47.
Thomas Mehrling, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Helix BioPharma, stated, "The next stage of Helix’s evolution demands a different kind of company than the one we were building two years ago. As we prepare for our planned U.S. securities exchange listing and advance L-DOS47 into its next stage of clinical development, we are deliberately strengthening every part of the organization."
Helix is currently preparing a base shelf prospectus and has completed the auditor review of its second-quarter financials, marking progress on its capital markets roadmap. The company plans to list on a U.S. securities exchange, which would broaden its investor base and increase visibility.
Helen Middleton brings over 30 years of experience across pharmacy, law, and the global life sciences industry. A qualified life sciences lawyer and registered clinical pharmacist, she has held senior legal roles at firms including Sidley Austin LLP, Matheson LLP, Mundipharma International, Ipsen, and Abcam. Most recently, she served as Legal Consultant to Kyowa Kirin International. As General Counsel, she will oversee legal affairs, governance, compliance, and strategic transactions to support clinical advancement and the planned U.S. listing.
David Browning brings more than 30 years of experience leading global clinical development programs. He has overseen over 30 Phase I-III clinical studies across multiple oncology indications and therapeutic modalities, including immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and antibody-drug conjugates. As Vice President of Clinical Operations, he will lead the operational planning and execution of Helix’s clinical programs, including the upcoming LDOS007 study—a Phase IB/Randomized Phase II trial in first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
These appointments are critical as Helix advances L-DOS47, a Tumor Defense Breaker™ antibody-enzyme conjugate designed to prime CEACAM6-expressing tumors for increased sensitivity to therapy. L-DOS47 has completed Phase Ib studies in NSCLC, and the company is also developing next-generation bi-specific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting CEACAM6. Additionally, Helix has two pre-IND candidates: LEUMUNA™, an oral immune checkpoint modulator for post-transplant leukemia relapse, and GEMCEDA™, an oral gemcitabine prodrug.
The strengthened leadership team is expected to enhance Helix's ability to execute its clinical and corporate objectives, potentially impacting the oncology landscape by advancing novel therapies for hard-to-treat cancers. For investors, the planned U.S. listing could provide greater liquidity and access to capital markets, while the clinical progress of L-DOS47 may offer new treatment options for NSCLC patients.
For more information, visit Helix BioPharma's website.
