IO Biotech announced the appointment of Qasim Ahmad, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Ahmad joins IO Biotech from Novartis, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, US Head of Clinical Development & Medical Affairs, for the Novartis Oncology business unit. A trained internist and clinical oncologist, he brings over two decades of successful strategic clinical development, medical affairs, and marketing authorization expertise to IO Biotech at a critical time in the company's growth.

Dr. Ahmad will be based in the United States, report to IO Biotech's CEO, Mai-Britt Zocca, PhD, and be a member of the company's executive team, effective immediately. The company also announced the promotion of Eric Faulkner to Chief Technical Officer. Mr. Faulkner joined IO Biotech in mid-2022 as Sr. Vice President of CMC and has spent the past year preparing the company's supply chain for commercial readiness.

As Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Faulkner will have responsibility for both the CMC and Quality functions at IO Biotech, continue to report to Dr. Zocca, and be a member of the company's executive team. Additionally, Eva Ehrnrooth will be moving to an advisory role with IO Biotech. Dr. Ehrnrooth has been with IO Biotech for 6 years, most recently as Chief Medical Officer.

In this new role, Dr. Ehrnrooth will support the transition to the company?s new CMO as well as the preparation of the company?s potential Biologics License Application in the US.