Imugene has announced the immediate resignation of Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Leslie Chong, bringing to a close her nearly 11-year tenure at the clinical-stage immuno-oncology company as it continues to advance its lead allogeneic CAR T cell therapy for blood cancers.
As first reported by Kalkine, Chong stepped down for personal reasons, with the company's board launching an immediate search for a new chief executive. She will remain available to support the leadership transition while the company continues progressing clinical trials for its lead asset, azer-cel, a CD19-targeting off-the-shelf cell therapy.
Leadership change comes at pivotal stage
Chong has led Imugene since 2015, overseeing its evolution into a global clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing cell-based cancer therapies.
Executive Chairman Paul Hopper acknowledged her contribution and said, "Leslie joined Imugene during its early growth phase and has played a pivotal role in transforming the Company into a credible, global clinical-stage biotechnology company.
He added, “It has been a privilege to work alongside Leslie over the past decade, and on behalf of the Board, I thank her for her dedication and significant contribution. We wish Leslie all the very best for the future."
The senior leadership team will report directly to Hopper until a permanent CEO is appointed.
Azer-cel remains strategic priority
Despite the leadership transition, its strategic priorities remain unchanged, with continued focus on advancing azer-cel, its allogeneic CD19-targeting CAR T cell therapy for blood cancers.
Unlike conventional autologous CAR T therapies that are manufactured individually for each patient, azer-cel is designed as an off-the-shelf therapy derived from donor cells, offering the potential for faster treatment availability and greater manufacturing efficiency.
The programme continues to generate encouraging clinical data, with additional milestones and data readouts expected.
Chong expressed confidence, "Leading Imugene has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Together, we have built a world-class team, advanced an exciting pipeline of novel cancer therapies, and reached meaningful clinical milestones. I am deeply grateful to our employees, our Board, our investors, and especially the patients, investigators, physicians, and healthcare professionals whose trust and commitment make this work possible.”
“While this decision has not been easy, I know the Company is well positioned for the future. There are important clinical milestones, further data readouts, and opportunities ahead to advance the azer-cel programme. I remain confident in Imugene's mission and look forward to supporting a smooth transition,” she further added.
Board begins search for new chief executive
The board has commenced an immediate executive search as it looks to appoint a successor capable of leading the company through the next phase of clinical development and potential regulatory progress.
Chong's agreement to remain available during the transition is expected to provide continuity as Imugene pursues ongoing clinical programmes and upcoming trial milestones.
Growing opportunity in cell therapy
Imugene is developing allogeneic CAR T therapies aimed at treating blood cancers by targeting CD19, a well-established marker found in several B-cell malignancies, including certain forms of lymphoma and leukaemia.
The company is positioning azer-cel within the rapidly expanding global market for off-the-shelf cell therapies, an area attracting growing investment as biotechnology companies seek to improve manufacturing scalability, treatment accessibility and commercial deployment.