Immunic Names Jason Tardio As The New COO And President

Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a biotechnology firm focused on developing orally administered small molecule therapies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, announced today that Jason Tardio, a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, will join as Chief Operating Officer and President, starting July 12, 2024. In this newly established position, Mr. Tardio will oversee internal preparations for the potential launch of vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), the company’s orally available nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) activator. He will also collaborate closely with Patrick Walsh, Chief Business Officer, to ready the company for various potential partnership opportunities for vidofludimus calcium and Immunic’s other drug candidates.

Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Immunic, said “Jason’s extensive experience, most notably related to the launch and commercialization of successful multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs for both Novartis and Biogen, as well as his history of significant out-licensing transactions provide Immunic with an invaluable and proven skill as we draw closer to completion of vidofludimus calcium’s phase 3 ENSURE program. Jason’s appointment reflects our commitment to both commercial and partnership preparedness and comes at a particularly important and exciting time with the upcoming read-out of our phase 2 CALLIPER trial in progressive MS expected in April 2025 and the completion of our twin phase 3 ENSURE trials in relapsing MS expected in the second quarter and the second half of 2026, respectively. We warmly welcome him to Immunic.”

Mr. Tardio commented, “I am thrilled to join Immunic’s very talented team and am particularly enthusiastic about the potential to bring such a groundbreaking and much-needed oral treatment option to patients with relapsing and also progressive forms of MS, where patients have few options and there continues to be a huge unmet need. With its compelling dual mechanism of action, as well as its combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, vidofludimus calcium has the potential to meaningfully enhance therapeutic options and also tap enormous markets. I look forward to applying my years of experience in this indication to support the drug’s ultimate commercial success, assuming future regulatory approval.”

The company announced the promotion of Werner Gladdines, currently serving as Vice President of Program Management & Clinical Development Operations, to the position of Chief Development Officer. Mr. Gladdines joined Immunic in January 2021 as Head of the IMU-838 Program and has since taken on roles of increasing responsibility. In February 2023, he was appointed Vice President of Program Management & Clinical Development Operations. In his new role as Chief Development Officer, Mr. Gladdines will assume broader strategic and operational responsibilities for Immunic’s clinical operations.