Appointments

Biotechnology company, Jasper Therapeutics, has appointed Vishal Kapoor to its Board of Directors. The company focuses on developing novel antibody therapies targeting c-Kit (CD117) to address diseases including chronic spontaneous urticaria and lower to intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), along with novel stem cell transplant conditioning regimes.

Kapoor has been a partner of Avego Management, an affiliate of Velan Capital, since January 2021, having led its life sciences investment venture. He has previously been president of Amplitude Healthcare Acquisition Corporation, until its merger with Jasper Therapeutics in September 2021. Before this he worked as chief business officer of Iveric bio (previously Ophthotech), where he oversaw acquisitions of gene therapy and therapeutic assets in ophthalmology. Kapoor has also worked at NPS Pharmaceuticals, Genentech and Pfizer. He holds an MBA in Finance and Management from Columbia Business School and a BA in biology from Columbia University.

Ron Martell, president and chief executive officer of Jasper Therapeutics, commented: “With the completion of our successful public offering last month, we are well-positioned to begin carrying out our priority development programmes for briquilimab as a c-Kit targeting therapeutic in chronic diseases and as a novel conditioning agent for stem cell transplant. With substantial resources in place and a clear plan for achieving nearterm clinical milestones, it is an excellent time to welcome someone of Vishal’s calibre to our board. His track record of successful industry experience speaks for itself, and we look forward to benefiting from his strategic counsel.”