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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 25, 2024) - ME Therapeutics Holdings Inc. (CSE:METX) (FSE:Q9T) ("ME Therapeutics" or the "Company"), a preclinical stage biotechnology company working on novel cancer fighting drugs in the field of Immuno-Oncology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Karim Lalji as Chief Business Officer.
"We are excited to be able to announce the addition of Karim Lalji as Chief Business Officer," said Salim Dhanji, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of ME Therapeutics. "Karim is an exceptional leader in the life sciences sector and his strategic vision and experience driving commercial transactions will be an invaluable asset to the Company as we continue our growth."
Karim Lalji, an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive, has consistently driven growth and shareholder value throughout his career. As Global Marketing Director at Merck & Co., he played a pivotal role in launching the revolutionary HIV treatment CRIXIVAN, which transformed HIV management. He also led the FOSAMAX franchise, an osteoporosis treatment that exceeded $1 billion in annual sales under his tenure. As Vice President of Business Strategy and New Product Commercialization at Sepracor Inc., Mr. Lalji spearheaded the successful commercialization of the company's pipeline including LUNESTA, driving sales from under $50 million to over $1 billion. Later, as Chief Commercial Officer at Cardiome Pharma Corp., he secured a $1 billion global licensing agreement for an anti-arrhythmia therapy-the largest licensing deal by a Canadian company at the time-and led the acquisition of Correvio International SARL, expanding the company's global footprint. Most recently, as CEO and Chairman of Microbion Pharma, Mr. Lalji raised over $60 million in capital, including $20 million in non-dilutive funding. He guided the company through multiple Phase 2 clinical trials, secured FDA Fast Track status, and obtained two Orphan Drug Designations-strategically positioning the company for future success.
Mr. Lalji holds a Master's degree in Health Policy and Management from Harvard University and a BBA from Simon Fraser University. He has also served on prestigious boards, including Harvard's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Mr. Lalji has been an advisor to ME Therapeutics Inc., the operating subsidiary of the Company, since October 1, 2022, and his role as Chief Business Officer will initially be on a part time basis. Mr. Lalji is paid cash consulting fees in connection with the services he provides to the Company.