Scopus BioPharma Makes New Management Appointment Following the Acquisition of Chief Immunotherapy Firm

Olimmune’s President and Chief Executive, Alan Horsager, Ph.D., has been named President of Scopus, with responsibility for supervising the company’s rapidly developing immuno-oncology portfolio.

FREMONT, CA: Scopus BioPharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, developing transformational therapeutics for serious diseases with substantial unmet medical needs, recently announced a new management appointment following its acquisition of Olimmune, a leading immunotherapy company. Olimmune’s President and Chief Executive, Alan Horsager, Ph.D., has been named President of Scopus, with responsibility for supervising the company’s rapidly developing immuno-oncology portfolio.

Joshua R. Lamstein, Chairman of Scopus, stated, “We are excited to add Dr. Horsager to Scopus leadership team. Dr. Horsager has an impressive background as both a scientist and biotech entrepreneur. The combination of the immuno-oncology assets of Scopus and Olimmune creates one of the leading global portfolios of bifunctional STAT3 inhibitors for the treatment of multiple cancers. We have great confidence in Dr. Horsagers ability to integrate these assets into a single, seamless pipeline.”

Dr. Horsager previously worked at Cal State LA as the Director of LA BioSpace, the university’s endeavor to foster the formation of bioscience ventures in the Los Angeles area. 

Dr. Horsager formerly co-founded and led two biotechnology companies and served as a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California. Dr. Horsager earned his B.A. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Washington and the University of Southern California, respectively.

Dr. Horsager stated, “The combined immuno-oncology portfolio is comprised of STAT3siRNA, STAT3ASO and STAT3decoy. These assets are comprehensive and highly complementary. Inhibiting STAT3 is frequently characterized as the holy grail of treating and curing cancer. Overseeing the integration and development of these assets is an extraordinary opportunity.”

“Large pharmaceutical companies, venture capitalists and the capital markets are placing premium valuations on companies with promising programs targeting STAT3. Our approach, highly cell-selective STAT3 inhibition combined with TLR9 immunostimulation, is highly distinguishable with compelling advantages over other approaches. We believe Dr. Horsager will play an important role in increasing awareness of our competitive advantages and unique value proposition. This, we believe, will drive a significant near-term increase in shareholder value,” added Lamstein.