John Edwards

Executive Chair (2022 Interim CEO) @Abcuro, Inc

Newton, MA, US

Abcuro is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing treatments for autoimmune and cancer indications that are modulated by cytotoxic T and NK cells. The company’s platform is based on targeting KLRG1 (killer cell lectin-like receptor G), which is a receptor that evolved as the body’s control switch for the most cytotoxic T and NK cells. Abcuro has two first-in-class preclinical programs. ABC008 is a highly selective KLRG1 monoclonal antibody which depletes pathogenic cytotoxic T and NK cells for treating T cell driven autoimmune disorders. ABC015 is a novel KLRG1 immune checkpoint inhibitor which specifically activates cytotoxic T and NK cells to attack a broad range of tumors.\\\\nAfter establishing preclinical proof of mechanism, ABC008 is now advancing to the clinic for the treatment of inclusion body myositis (IBM). This is a progressive disabling skeletal muscle disease, which can lead to the inability of patients to perform many activities of daily living. IBM currently has no available treatment options. Beyond IBM, ABC008 has a broad range of other potential clinical indications the company is exploring. Following the ABC008 clinical program, Abcuro plans to move ABC015 into IND enabling studies in early 2023.\\\\n\\\\nI lead the $42M Series A-1 financing, which was completed in 2020 (MGB, Pontifax, RA Capital, Samsara, and Sanofi Ventures).\\\\n \\\\n\\\\n \\\\n \\\\n\\\\n \\\\n

Questrom School of Business, Boston University

MBA, Marketing

University of Massachusetts Amherst

BS, Chemical Engineering