Bjørn has more than 25 years’ experience from leading R&D positions of Norwegian biotechs and will leave his position as Head of Oslo Cancer Cluster (OCC) Incubator at Montebello, Oslo. His experience from R&D, fund-raising and building healthcare start-ups are valuable assets when taking on the challenge with AdjuTec Pharma.
Bjørn Klem will be joining the Company from the 1st of July 2021.
“The assignment of Bjørn Klem as the first employee of AdjuTec Pharma represents a milestone in the history of the Company aiming to become a leading provider of products to fight antibiotic resistance. Bjørn’s background from innovative research, commercialization and having worked with the Company for two years through the OCC Incubator, makes him a perfect choice for heading AdjuTec Pharma. AdjuTec Pharma has already obtained global patents for core technologies, initiated non-clinical activities and is planning for first-in-man studies. With Bjørn in place we have the necessary competence and focus to drive product development through clinical trials to market approval,” said Nicolaj Weiergang, AdjuTec Pharma Chairman of the Board.
About antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
AMR is a global health and development threat. It requires urgent multisectoral action in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are the main drivers in the development of drug-resistant pathogens. Lack of clean water and sanitation and inadequate infection prevention and control promotes the spread of microbes, some of which can be resistant to antimicrobial treatment. The cost of AMR to the economy is significant. In addition to death and disability, prolonged illness results in longer hospital stays, the need for more expensive medicines and financial challenges for those impacted. Without effective antimicrobials, the success of modern medicine in treating infections, including during major surgery and cancer chemotherapy, would be at increased risk. For more information, please visit https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
About AdjuTec Pharma
AdjuTec Pharma is a Company that is dedicated to developing and providing novel antibiotic resistance breakers to the global market. The Company technology offers a unique mechanism of action that inactivates bacterial defence enzymes and restores bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics. The Company lead product is APC148, a selective zinc chelator targeting bacteria metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL) enzymes. The technology is developed by Professor Pål Rongved and his group at Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo. Prof Rongved is heading the company today and will continue as CSO.
For more information, please visit www.adjutecpharma.com. Get in touch with our team: info@adjutecpharma.com