Akari Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing bi-functional antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat cancer, announced the appointment of Abizer Gaslightwala as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 21, 2025. As previously announced, Gaslightwala was appointed to Akari’s Board of Directors in December 2024.

Current President and CEO Samir R. Patel, M.D., will remain a member of the company’s Board of Directors.

Patel commented, “During my tenure, I am proud to have overseen the successful merger of Peak Bio and the Company. As Akari is now a targeted oncology company, this is the time to bring a seasoned oncology executive into the C- Suite. I look forward to welcoming Abizer as our new President and CEO and supporting his efforts as I continue as a member of the Board.”

Gaslightwala is a biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry veteran bringing 25 years of experience in the development and commercialization of medicines across a range of companies and therapeutic areas. 

He most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Franchise Head for US Oncology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. During his time at Jazz, Gaslightwala was responsible for a portfolio of products and brands including ZIIHERA for HER2+ cancers, ZEPZELCA for small cell lung cancer, and RYLAZE, DEFITELIO, and VYXEOS for a range of hematological malignancies. 

Before his position at Jazz, Gaslightwala held several leadership roles at Amgen, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson across multiple brands, including Kyprolis, Vectibix, Neulasta, XGEVA, Repatha, and ELIQUIS. Additionally, Gaslightwala advised several life science companies during his time at the Boston Consulting Group.