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Founder and CEO for a leukemia stem cell miRNA therapy venture

US or Europe

CEO for miRisten

Leukemia remains one of the most challenging hematologic malignancies to treat effectively. While significant advances in therapies have been made, a critical hurdle lies in targeting leukemia stem cells (LSCs). These cells are responsible for disease persistence, resistance to treatment, and relapse. LSCs are inherently quiescent, making them difficult to eliminate with conventional therapies. 

miRisten is pioneering a novel approach by targeting miR-126, a microRNA that maintains leukemia stem cell (LSC) dormancy. By inhibiting miR-126, MiRisten’s therapy forces LSCs into active cycling, making them more susceptible to chemotherapeutic agents and molecular targeted therapies (MTTs). This strategy has demonstrated promising preclinical results, including increased survival and reduced tumor growth in animal models.

The Invention

miRisten’s foundational technology stems from research led by Dr. Guido Marcucci, a globally recognized expert in oncology with extensive experience in leukemia and hematologic cancers. The therapeutic innovation is backed by the City of Hope, one of the premier cancer research and treatment institutions in the United States, renowned for its comprehensive research and clinical trial expertise. miRisten’s miR-126 inhibitor has shown exceptional promise in preclinical studies, including in vivo toxicology assessments, which confirmed its safety profile. With most of the pre-IND work completed,miRisten is poised to advance into clinical trials.

The Position of CEO

We are seeking a visionary CEO to lead miRisten into its next pivotal phase of growth. Backed by NLC and working closely with the inventor, Dr. Guido Marcucci—along with other strategic partners, the CEO will play a pivotal role in securing funding, building strategic partnerships, and advancing the company’s therapeutic pipeline toward clinical validation.

Responsibilities include:

  • Securing and dilutive funding, including leading a Series A equity round.
  • Driving the development required for IND studies and advancing the asset to Phase I/IIa clinical trials and further.
  •  Building and leveraging networks with investors, pharma, and oncology KOLs to support growth.
  • Forming strategic partnerships with CROs, pharma, and other key stakeholders to advance clinical development.
  • Staying informed about trends in oncology and RNA/gene therapy to guide strategic decision-making.
  • Designing clinical development plans and ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements

Your Profile

You are highly motivated to transform patients' lives by revolutionizing leukemia treatment and have:

  • A proven track record in biotech fundraising, particularly for IND-enabling studies and assets ready to move into the clinic.
  • Experience in preclinical drug development and early clinical trial phases, ideally with expertise in RNA modalities, gene therapy, or cancer stem cells.
  • A strong network in oncology, including connections with KOLs, CROs, CDMOs, and relevant pharmaceutical companies.
  • A deep understanding of designing combination therapy clinical trials and leveraging medical KOL expertise.

The opportunity

We offer the unique opportunity to an entrepreneur or executive with entrepreneurial ambition to come on board as a co-founder in a highly promising venture. The participation package includes:

  • Equity-based remuneration
  • Cash compensation tied to successful funding of the company
  • The opportunity to co-fund at a favourable terms

As a NLC venture CEO you will have access to the expertise and network of the entire NLC ecosystem including the use of NLC Venture Services and of course you’ll join the supportive group of CEO’s leading our other (100+) ventures.

Last but not least

As CEO of miRisten, you will have the unique opportunity to lead the development of a groundbreaking therapeutic that targets leukemia stem cells, an area with a significant unmet medical need. MiRisten’s platform has the potential to transform leukemia treatment, offering hope to patients worldwide. If you are passionate about driving innovation in oncology and making a profound impact on patients’ lives, we invite you to join us.

For inquiries, contact Augusta Poteliunaite at augusta.poteliunaite@nlc.health.

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