“Saniona now has the leadership infrastructure to unlock the significant value potential of our CNS pipeline. These appointments reflect our commitment to disciplined execution and to delivering meaningful clinical results that can create long-term shareholder value,” said Thomas Feldthus, Saniona’s Chief Executive Officer.

The appointments expand Saniona’s core capabilities to progress its CNS assets, including SAN2219 for refractory focal onset seizures, SAN2465 for major depressive disorder, and SAN2668, recently selected as a first-inclass clinical candidate for pediatric epilepsy. All three programs are funded through Phase 1 readouts and are supported by newly filed compound patents providing protection into the 2040s, and each program has first-in-class potential in its respective indication. Phase 2 studies are planned to start in 2028. The expanded leadership team is expected to accelerate development timelines, enhance operational efficiency, and support forthcoming regulatory interactions.

Leadership Commentary

“These appointments significantly enhance our ability to design and execute clinical studies with a rigorous, data-driven approach, increasing the probability of success across our CNS programs,” said Pierandrea Muglia, Chief Medical Officer.

“With expanded capabilities in toxicology and CMC, we can advance our programs efficiently and maintain a proactive regulatory strategy as we enter our next phase of growth,” said Janus Larsen, Chief Operating Officer.

Strategic Leadership Appointments

• Stina Westergaard Frederiksen – Head of Clinical Operations
  Over 20 years of clinical development experience across biotech and large pharma, leading programs from design through late-stage execution and building high-performing operational teams.
  
  
• Martin Damm Olling – Head of Clinical Development
  Brings 24 years of R&D expertise from small and large pharma, including two decades in CNS drug development, with successful FDA and EMA approvals and deep experience in clinical strategy and regulatory pathways.
  
  
• Isabella Premoli – Director of Translational Medicine
  Neuroscientist with broad biomarker experience (EEG, TMS, electrophysiology, imaging) and leadership of translational strategies in early-phase research from both biotech and academia.
  
  
• Alex Rodriguez – Head of Toxicology
  More than 20 years of nonclinical and regulatory toxicology experience at large pharma and small pharma companies, including IND and CTA submissions and early-stage development of CNS and small-molecule programs.
  
  
• Søren Ebdrup – Head of CMC
  25 years of small-molecule development experience at mid- and large pharma, overseeing CMC activities across preclinical and clinical phases.