Heffernan, who previously served as the company’s Chief Business Officer, brings three decades of biopharmaceutical experience to the role. Her background includes managing strategic transactions with major organizations such as Merck and Sanofi, as well as advancing over 20 regulated therapeutic programs. Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Eric Springman noted that her leadership has been central to the company’s corporate strategy and its evolving relationship with the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.

The company’s lead therapeutic candidate is a selective leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) inhibitor designed to facilitate lymphatic repair. An exploratory Phase 2 study of the parent molecule showed reductions in limb volume and skin thickness in patients with lower-extremity lymphedema. Celltaxis is currently advancing a new chemical entity prodrug of this molecule to refine pharmacokinetics and enhance patient outcomes. Heffernan will debut her new role at the upcoming BIO International Convention in San Diego, where she intends to advance the firm’s strategic partnering initiatives.