Karolinska Development's portfolio company SVF Vaccines appoints Dr Gaston Picchio as acting CEO

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, 15 November 2024. Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) today announces that its portfolio company SVF Vaccines has appointed Dr Gaston Picchio as acting CEO. He will assume the position with effect from today, Friday November 15^th, as Dr Richard Bethell has decided to step down as CEO to pursue other professional interests while remaining associated with the company in an advisory role.

Dr. Gaston Picchio has over 30 years of experience in clinical virology from his previous roles at the Scripps Research Institute, Johnson & Johnson, and Arbutus Biopharma. While at Johnson & Johnson, Dr. Picchio was involved in the development and approval of antivirals and vaccines for HIV, HCV, and Zika. Most recently, he comes from Arbutus Biopharma, where he led the development of novel therapeutic combinations aimed at curing chronic hepatitis B.

SVF Vaccines develops tomorrow’s vaccines for the prevention and treatment of serious infectious diseases.

Karolinska Development's ownership in SVF Vaccines amounts to 34%.

For further information, please contact:

Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com 

Johan Dighed, General Counsel and Deputy CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 70 207 48 26, e-mail: johan.dighed@karolinskadevelopment.com

TO THE EDITORS

About Karolinska Development AB

Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.

Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.

Karolinska Development has a portfolio of eleven companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.

The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.

For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com 

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