Creyon Bio, Inc. announced that Serge Messerlian has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Messerlian, who joined Creyon’s Board as Executive Chairman and Acting CEO in fall 2024, brings extensive leadership experience in both large pharmaceuticals and biotech startups, with a focus on hematology, oncology, immunology, rare diseases, and novel technology platforms. He has served in senior roles at Teon Therapeutics, Janssen Oncology (Johnson & Johnson), Actelion, Baxalta, and Baxter International, leading company-building efforts, strategic collaborations, and multi-billion-dollar operations.

Creyon’s AI-powered oligonucleotide engineering engine derisks tissue-specific, RNA-targeted therapies, improving safety, efficacy, and patient adherence. Messerlian highlighted the platform’s readiness for clinical development in 2026 and its alignment with the FDA’s shift away from traditional animal testing toward new approach methodologies.

Additionally, Dr. Kiersten Stead, co-founder and Managing Partner at DCVC Bio, has joined Creyon’s Board of Directors. Dr. Stead, a deep-tech investor and entrepreneur, has co-founded several companies and serves on multiple boards. DCVC Bio, an early investor in Creyon, recently closed a $400 million fund.

Shaq Vayda, Lux Capital Principal and Creyon Board member, praised Messerlian’s blend of therapeutic expertise and operational leadership, and welcomed Dr. Stead’s investment and development experience. Together, they will support Creyon’s efforts to advance its proprietary pipeline and pursue partnerships in neuromuscular, CNS, and immunologic diseases.

Source: https://creyonbio.com/latest-news