biotech Monday, 19 January 2026

Genflow Appoints US Biotech Veteran to Lead Strategic Longevity Push

Genflow Appoints US Biotech Veteran to Lead Strategic Longevity Push

Gosselies, Monday 19 January 2026 Genflow appoints Gad Berdugo as Chairman to leverage his 30-year US biotech track record, aiming to accelerate its RNA-based longevity therapies and expand its global market presence.

Strategic Leadership Update

Genflow Biosciences (LSE: GENF) has officially appointed Gad Berdugo as its new Independent Non-Executive Chairman, a move announced on Monday, 19 January 2026 [2][3]. This appointment marks a pivotal shift for the London-based biotechnology firm, which maintains its research and development facilities in Belgium [3]. The decision to bring Berdugo on board is explicitly linked to the company’s objective of expanding its presence in the United States and accelerating its gene therapy programmes [4]. Dr Eric Leire, Chief Executive Officer of Genflow, noted that Berdugo’s arrival comes as the company seeks to leverage specific expertise in strategy, partnerships, and financing to expand its global reach [2][3].

Strengthening US Governance

Berdugo brings over 30 years of leadership experience to the role, with a particular focus on the US capital markets and global business development [4]. Currently serving as the Managing Partner of Explorium Capital LLC, a US-based advisory firm for the biotech sector, his background aligns closely with Genflow’s technical requirements [3][4]. His previous tenure includes serving as Chief Business Officer at Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT) and Nutcracker Therapeutics, as well as holding the position of CEO at EpiVax Oncology [2][3]. Crucially for Genflow’s scientific direction, Berdugo possesses deep technical expertise in RNA-based therapeutics and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems [4]. As part of this governance restructure, the outgoing Chair, Tamara Joseph, will retain a seat on the board as a Non-Executive Director to ensure continuity [1][4].

From R&D to Clinical Data

The leadership change occurs as Genflow navigates a critical period of clinical validation. The company is currently midway through a 12-month proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating its SIRT6-centenarian gene therapy in aged dogs, a study that commenced in March 2025 [3]. In addition to the ongoing veterinary trial, Genflow is planning a clinical trial to investigate the efficacy of its GF-1002 compound in treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) [3]. Berdugo has indicated that the company is entering a new phase of development, with key data readouts from these initiatives expected later in 2026 [2]. This sharpened focus on high-potential programmes and strengthened intellectual property underscores the company’s transition from early-stage research toward clinical maturity [2].

Sources & Ecosystem Partners

  1. ca.marketscreener.com
  2. www.biospace.com
  3. www.investing.com
  4. www.marketscreener.com