Calidi Biotherapeutics Taps Eric Poma as New CEO to Drive Clinical Growth Strategy
Biotech firm Calidi Biotherapeutics has appointed Eric Poma as its new CEO, signaling a strategic leadership transition aimed at advancing its cancer-targeting stem cell-based virotherapy platform into later-stage clinical development.
Calidi Biotherapeutics has selected Eric Poma, Ph.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition for the oncology-focused biotech company. Poma, a veteran biotech executive with over 30 years of industry experience, will take the helm effective April 22, succeeding Allan Camaisa, who will remain on the Board of Directors.
The leadership change comes at a critical juncture for Calidi as the company prepares to advance its systemic virotherapy platform. Poma brings extensive experience from his previous role at Molecular Templates, where he successfully raised over $250 million and established strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical giants Takeda, Vertex, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Poma's appointment is strategically timed with the company's upcoming dose-escalation trial of CLD-201, a promising therapeutic approach targeting solid tumors. His deep industry expertise is expected to support Calidi's transition into more advanced clinical development stages.
The company's innovative approach leverages proprietary stem cell-based platforms designed to enhance immune system responses against cancer. By utilizing allogeneic stem cells capable of carrying oncolytic viruses, Calidi aims to develop off-the-shelf therapies that could potentially treat or prevent metastatic disease across multiple oncology indications, including high-grade gliomas and solid tumors.
Poma's leadership is anticipated to accelerate Calidi's clinical development strategy, potentially bringing groundbreaking cancer treatment technologies closer to patient accessibility.