Immunic appoints Biogen, Cubist veteran Mike Bonney as board chair ahead of key MS trial readout

Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX, FRA:10VA), a late-stage biotechnology company developing oral therapies for neurologic diseases, said it has appointed biopharmaceutical veteran Michael Bonney as chair of its board of directors.

Bonney brings more than three decades of industry experience, including a background in multiple sclerosis and central nervous system markets. At Biogen, he held senior commercial roles and was closely involved in the launch and growth of Avonex, one of the first widely adopted therapies for relapsing forms of MS.

He later served as CEO of Cubist Pharmaceuticals for more than 10 years, overseeing the commercialization of antibiotic Cubicin and the company's acquisition by Merck for approximately $9.5 billion.

Bonney currently chairs the boards of Autolus Therapeutics, Dunad Therapeutics and Santa Ana Bio, and has previously served as chair or director at companies including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene and Sarepta Therapeutics.

"I am excited to join Immunic at such a pivotal time, ahead of the readout of the phase 3 ENSURE trials," Bonney said in a statement, describing the drug as offering a potentially differentiated profile in the MS treatment landscape through a combination of neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects.

Simona Skerjanec, who served as interim chairperson, will continue on the board as a member following the transition.

Immunic CEO Daniel Vitt said the company plans to transition toward becoming a fully integrated commercial-stage company and that Bonney's experience would be "invaluable" in the months and years ahead.

The appointment comes ahead of a key readout from Immunic's phase 3 ENSURE trials of its lead candidate vidofludimus calcium in relapsing MS, as well as a planned phase 3 program in primary progressive MS.