Immunic Inc., a biotechnology company developing a clinical pipeline of orally administered, small molecule therapies for chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, has welcomed seasoned biopharmaceutical executive, Jason Tardio, as Chief Operating Officer and President, effective July 12, 2024.

In the newly created role, Tardio will lead internal efforts to prepare for the potential launch of vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), the company’s orally available nuclear receptor related 1 (Nurr1) activator. He will also work closely with Patrick Walsh, Chief Business Officer, to prepare the company for a range of potential partnership outcomes for vidofludimus calcium, as well as Immunic’s other drug candidates.

“Jason’s extensive experience, most notably related to the launch and commercialization of successful multiple sclerosis (MS) drugs for both Novartis and Biogen, as well as his history of significant out-licensing transactions provide Immunic with an invaluable and proven skill as we draw closer to completion of vidofludimus calcium’s phase 3 ENSURE program,” stated Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., CEO of Immunic.

Tardio remarked, “I am thrilled to join Immunic’s very talented team and am particularly enthusiastic about the potential to bring such a groundbreaking and much-needed oral treatment option to patients with relapsing and also progressive forms of MS, where patients have few options and there continues to be a huge unmet need. With its compelling dual mechanism of action, as well as its combined neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, vidofludimus calcium has the potential to meaningfully enhance therapeutic options and also tap enormous markets. I look forward to applying my years of experience in this indication to support the drug’s ultimate commercial success, assuming future regulatory approval.”

Experience

Tardio most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Ovid Therapeutics Inc. since June 2021, after joining the company as Chief Commercial Officer in November 2019. While there, he led all functions of Ovid’s commercial business, with an emphasis on transitioning the company from a pre-commercial entity into a fully integrated and program-oriented commercial enterprise.

Previously, he served as Vice President, Head of the Multiple Sclerosis Franchise at Novartis AG from September 2018 to November 2019, a business unit with annual revenues of more than $3 billion, where he successfully launched MAYZENT (siponimod) and was responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the U.S. commercial plan, brand P&L, strategy development and go-to-market modeling for the Novartis MS franchise.

Before Novartis, Tardio spent nine years in positions of increasing responsibility at Biogen Inc., where he most recently served as General Manager, Managing Director for Biogen’s Latin America South affiliate. Earlier at Biogen, Tardio held a wide range of sales and marketing roles, including positions in global commercial strategy, the U.S. business unit and the international affiliates, where he played a key role in launching both the AVONEX PEN (interferon beta-1a) and PLEGRIDY (peginterferon beta-1a)* for relapsing forms of MS.

Tardio’s more than two decades of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry began at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sepracor, Inc., with various roles in sales, sales training and marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Science from The College of New Jersey and an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing from St. Joseph’s University.

Other Leadership Changes

The company also reported that Werner Gladdines, current Vice President, Program Management & Clinical Development Operations, has been promoted to Chief Development Officer.

Gladdines joined Immunic in January 2021 as Head of the IMU-838 Program. Since then, he has held positions of increasing responsibility and was appointed Vice President, Program Management & Clinical Development Operations in February 2023.

In his new role as Chief Development Officer, Gladdines will take over additional strategic and operational responsibility for Immunic’s overall clinical operations functions.