Calidi Biotherapeutics Appoints New CEO to Drive Clinical Growth Strategy

Calidi Biotherapeutics has appointed Eric Poma, Ph.D., as its new Chief Executive Officer, a move designed to propel the company's oncology research and development efforts forward. Poma, who assumes the role on April 22, brings over three decades of biotechnology leadership experience to the position.

With an extensive background in biotech leadership, Poma previously worked at Molecular Templates, where he demonstrated significant financial and strategic acumen by raising over $250 million and establishing partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies including Takeda, Vertex, and Bristol Myers Squibb.

The leadership transition comes at a critical moment for Calidi, as the company prepares to advance its systemic virotherapy platform and initiate a dose-escalation trial for CLD-201, targeting solid tumors. Poma's expertise is expected to be instrumental in navigating the company's clinical development strategy.

Calidi's innovative approach focuses on leveraging stem cell-based platforms to enhance cancer treatment. The company's technology aims to empower the immune system by utilizing allogeneic stem cells capable of delivering oncolytic viruses, with potential applications in treating high-grade gliomas and other solid tumors.

The strategic leadership change underscores Calidi's commitment to progressing its groundbreaking cancer therapy research and positioning itself for potential breakthrough treatments in oncology. Poma's track record of securing funding and forming strategic partnerships suggests the company is poised for significant advancement in its clinical programs.