SFA Therapeutics Reshuffles Leadership to Drive Drug Commercialization

Shawn Patrick O'Brien, who served as Chairman for over four years, assumes the CEO role effective immediately. His mandate centers on scaling the company’s clinical programs, specifically the upcoming Phase 2 trials for psoriasis and Phase 1 studies for pancreatic cancer. O'Brien brings a background in commercializing small and large molecules, including experience with ten blockbuster drugs during his tenure at AstraZeneca.

Co-founder Ira C. Spector, who previously served as CEO, transitions to Chief Strategy Officer to focus on portfolio development. The leadership shift includes other key internal appointments: co-founder Dr. Alla Arzumanyan moves from Chief Development Officer to Chief Scientific Officer to oversee the expansion of the drug pipeline, while co-founder Dr. Mark Feitelson shifts to Head of Discovery Research to maintain the company’s laboratory operations at Temple University. James Kirwin remains in his post as COO and Head of Clinical Operations, continuing the work that led to the successful completion of the SFA-002 clinical trial.