Leal Therapeutics has appointed Johannes Tauscher as chief medical officer and Raymond Jordt as chief business officer, as the biotechnology company progresses clinical development programmes in neuro-metabolic diseases.
Leadership appointments support clinical development strategy
The company said the appointments reflect its focus on advancing an active clinical pipeline, including programmes in schizophrenia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both executives bring experience in central nervous system drug development and pharmaceutical strategy.
Johannes Tauscher is a clinical psychiatrist and neurologist with more than 20 years of industry and academic experience. He has previously held senior roles at Takeda and Eli Lilly, focusing on central nervous system research and early clinical development.
Commercial and strategic expertise added
Raymond Jordt brings nearly 30 years of experience across research and development, finance and corporate development. He has held leadership roles at Altimmune and Eli Lilly, working across therapeutic areas including central nervous system disorders and metabolic disease.
The company said the appointments are intended to support both clinical development and broader business strategy as programmes progress.
Pipeline progress in schizophrenia and ALS
Leal Therapeutics is developing LTX-001, an oral GLS1 inhibitor designed to penetrate the brain and target schizophrenia. The programme has completed the single ascending dose stage of a Phase 1 trial, with the multiple ascending dose portion ongoing.
A Phase 1b/2a study in patients with schizophrenia is expected to begin in mid-2026, with initial data anticipated later in the year.
Neurodegenerative programme advances toward clinical stage
The company is also developing LTX-002, an antisense oligonucleotide therapy targeting SPTLC1 for ALS. Preclinical studies have been completed, and a Phase 1/2 clinical trial is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.
Additional updates across the company’s pipeline, including programmes in obesity and neurodegeneration, are expected later this year.
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