A Northern Kentucky-based startup that’s developing new therapies for cancer has tapped its first chief financial officer as it continues to build out its leadership team and grow its capital stack.
Covington-based Bexion Pharmaceuticals, a mid-stage biopharma company developing new therapies for cancers and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, named Joyce LaViscount its CFO, effective June 1. She brings more than 30 years of experience spanning from startups to Fortune 100 companies, with roles that include finance, accounting and operations.
LaViscount most recently served as CFO for Panavance Therapeutics, a Pennsylvania-based clinical-stage pharma company focusing on a novel oncology therapeutic.
The hire comes four months after Bexion named Scott Shively as its CEO and president. Shively said LaViscount will contribute to Bexion’s continued progression — both as it continues to develop its lead product, BXQ-350, and as it builds its capital structure.
“Joyce has a proven track record of results-driven leadership, strategic thinking and financial acumen, and has proven experience in both private and public company settings,” Shively said in a release.
Prior to Panavance, LaViscount served as CFO and COO for Helius Medical Technologies, which raised more than $110 million and secured listings on both Nasdaq and Toronto exchanges. Other roles include Pfizer/Pharmacia, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Endo Pharmaceuticals.
LaViscount will be based in Philadelphia but will be on site a few weeks a month.
Bexion, headquartered on Russell Street, at the head of Covington’s Innovation Alley, is developing a new generation of biologic immunotherapy to treat solid tumor cancers as well as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. The company said there are potential portfolio expansion opportunities in other cancers and broader neuropathic pain indications.
Bexion’s lead drug candidate, BXQ-350, a first-in-class biologic, has demonstrated pre-clinical anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, particularly in colorectal, brain and other solid tumors. Bexion has completed two single agent Phase 1 programs in adults and in a pediatric population.
LaViscount said Bexion is at a “pivotal point.” BXQ-350, if approved, could prove life-changing for patients living with colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, she said.
“I look forward to leading the evolution of our capital structure and financial operating environment to further the development of our promising pipeline,” LaViscount said in the release. “Bexion stood out to me as a truly science-driven organization focused on delivering transformative therapies for patients.”
The company is one region’s best-funded startups, having raised more than $55 million in capital since its launch in 2006. Per an investor presentation released in September, Bexion is currently seeking pre-IPO lead investors for an open $50 million Series C.
The company has 24 full-time employees.
