Leadership team strengthened with strategic appointments
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
ABN 35 094 006 023
www.neurizon.com
Neurizon strengthens leadership team with strategic regulatory and scientific appointments
Highlights:
• Neurizon® makes three key executive appointments: Ms Kathryn Williams as Chief Regulatory Officer, Dr
Jeffrey M. Brown as Chief Scientific Advisor, and Dr Chris Freitag as Chief Medical Advisor
• Appointments to unlock Neurizon’s access to extensive regulatory affairs, preclinical and clinical
development, and commercialisation experience at a pivotal time in NUZ-001’s development pathway
• Kathryn Williams is a seasoned regulatory affairs leader with over 20 years of experience and a proven
track record securing Fast Track and orphan designations with the FDA, EMA, and TGA
• Dr Brown brings deep scientific understanding in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases,
advancing multiple programs from discovery through IND-enabling studies in pain, neuropsychiatry, and
Huntington’s diseases currently in clinical trials
• Dr Freitag has nearly 30 years of experience in medical affairs and clinical development, having held senior
roles at Roche, Shire, BTG, and Debiopharm, with a strong focus on oncology and rare diseases
• Appointments considerably enhance Neurizon’s expertise across key areas of focus and will assist with the
Company’s strategy of commercialising its lead asset, NUZ-001
17 April 2025 – Melbourne, Australia: Neurizon Therapeutics Limited (ASX: NUZ & NUZOA) (“Neurizon” or “the
Company”), a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to advancing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative
diseases, is pleased to announce that it has significantly strengthened its executive management team with three key
appointments. These include Ms. Kathryn Williams as Chief Regulatory Officer (CRO), Dr Jeffrey M. Brown as Chief
Scientific Advisor (CSA), and Dr Chris Freitag as Chief Medical Advisor (CMA).
These appointments provide the Company with broader expertise in regulatory affairs, clinical development and
commercialisation, and will assist in accelerating Neurizon’s stated strategy to advance its lead drug candidate, NUZ001’s clinical development pathway, secure regulatory approvals, expand the pipeline in neurodegenerative diseases
and optimise future market access. The combined expertise of Ms Williams, Dr Brown, and Dr Freitag will assist in the
Company’s near-term focus to lift the clinical hold for NUZ-001’s IND application to facilitate entry into the HEALEY
ALS Platform Trial in H2 CY2025.
Chief Regulatory Officer – Ms Kathryn Williams:
Ms Williams is a distinguished regulatory affairs executive with over 20 years of industry experience. She has a proven
track record developing and executing global regulatory strategies in major jurisdictions, including the US FDA,
European EMA and Australian TGA. Ms Williams is considered a global regulatory specialist, navigating expedited
approval pathways and securing orphan drug designations for rare diseases and novel therapies.
Most recently, Ms Williams held the position of Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Clarity Pharmaceuticals Limited
(ASX: CU6). During her tenure with Clarity Pharmaceuticals, she was responsible for obtaining three FDA Fast Track
designations for a novel radiopharmaceutical and led multiple regulatory filings. Throughout her career, Ms Williams
has held leadership positions in notable companies, including Merck, Sandoz, Sanofi and Genzyme.
The Company will leverage her extensive background in pharmaceutical regulation and health economics to ensure
Neurizon’s clinical programs are well-positioned for regulatory, commercial, and reimbursement success. As CRO, she
will oversee regulatory engagement, Chemistry Manufacturing Control (CMC) alignment, and quality compliance
systems, while leading regulatory strategy across all development stages. Her focus will be on securing Investigational
New Drug (IND) status, Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy, and Orphan Drug designations, as well as optimising our
regulatory efforts to support accelerated approval across multiple jurisdictions for NUZ-001.
Chief Scientific Advisor – Dr Jeffrey M. Brown:
Dr Brown brings extensive drug development experience, scientific leadership, and commercial acumen, in the
development of new treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. Over his two-decade career,
Level 4, 96-100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Tel: +61 3 9692 7222
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
ABN 35 094 006 023
www.neurizon.com
he has overseen multiple neurology programs from early discovery through IND-enabling studies. This includes select
programs in pain, neuropsychiatry, and Huntington’s diseases currently in clinical trials.
Dr Brown’s deep scientific understanding of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disease pathways has led
to executive leadership roles in global biopharmaceutical companies such as Amgen, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squib,
Alexion, Wave, Voyager, and Deep genomics, managing R&D organisations, expanding pipeline and platform
capabilities, and nurturing partnering and commercial discussions. His expertise in drug discovery and defining
product development opportunities will be instrumental in expanding and advancing the reach of Neurizon’s
therapeutic pipeline in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr Brown currently serves on the Board of Directors of the
Huntington’s Disease Society of America.
Located in Boston, a supportive ecosystem for biotech companies and often referred to as a "biotech hub," Dr.
Brown’s appointment expands our global presence. His established networks create new opportunities for Neurizon
to collaborate with leading research institutions, access significant funding, and enhance the company’s potential for
strategic partnerships and expedited commercialisation. It also maintains our strong ties with our clinical partner
Massachusetts General Hospital and Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS.
Chief Medical Advisor – Dr Chris Freitag:
Dr Freitag is a medical doctor with nearly 30 years of combined medical and pharmaceutical experience, with a strong
focus on oncology and rare diseases. His early career in clinical practice was followed by senior roles
at Roche, Shire, BTG, and Debiopharm, where he led clinical programs across biologics, small molecules, and medical
devices.
He has played pivotal roles in developing and strategically positioning several successful therapies,
including Rituximab, Bevacizumab, Anagrelide, Resolor, and Xevinapant. More recently, Dr Freitag has served as Chief
Medical Officer or strategic advisor to several emerging biotech companies, primarily in neurodegenerative diseases,
pediatric rare diseases (myopathies), and oncology.
Dr. Freitag is already a valuable member of Neurizon’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and possesses intricate
knowledge of the clinical safety and efficacy profile of NUZ-001. He has served as the medical monitor (MM) for
Neurizon’s successful Phase 1 MEND study and is currently the MM for the Open Label Extension (OLE) study for NUZ001, which is nearing completion. His increased involvement as CMA will significantly benefit the Company’s clinical
development program for NUZ-001, ongoing trial designs, and medical affairs. Dr. Freitag's extensive experience will
be crucial in guiding NUZ-001 through regulatory interactions, Point of Care considerations, and achieving regulatory
approval.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Thurn said: “On behalf of the Board, we are thrilled to
welcome Ms Williams, Dr Brown and Dr Freitag to the Neurizon leadership team. Each pharmaceutical professional
brings exceptional experience, business and commercial acumen, and a shared commitment to advancing therapies
that can transform the lives of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Their collective expertise across preclinical
and clinical development, regulatory affairs, scientific leadership, and commercialization strategy significantly
enhances our ability to execute our mission.”
“Kathryn’s leadership in navigating regulatory pathways and securing expedited designations will be vital as we seek
to advance NUZ-001 toward regulatory approval. Dr Brown’s deep understanding of the pathogenesis of
neurodegenerative diseases strengthens our drug development and commercial opportunities, while Dr Freitag’s
global medical affairs and pharmacovigilance experience ensures Neurizon is well positioned to execute our programs
with excellence.”
“These appointments come at a crucial juncture as we transition into late-stage development and gear up for
commercialisation. Neurizon has assembled a powerhouse team of pharmaceutical professionals, and with the
backing and expertise of our Board of Directors, we are exceptionally well-prepared to bring our drug to market. With
this enhanced leadership team, we are not only poised to advance NUZ-001 but also to expand our pipeline and
deliver impactful outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative diseases and for our shareholders. Our confidence
in achieving these goals has never been greater.”
Level 4, 96-100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Tel: +61 3 9692 7222
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
ABN 35 094 006 023
www.neurizon.com
-ENDSThis announcement has been authorized for release by the Board of Neurizon Therapeutics Limited.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Michael Thurn
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
enquiries@neurizon.com
+61 (3) 9692 7222
Lidija Damjanovic
Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
lidija@neurizon.com
+61 (0) 425 700 504
Released through: Henry Jordan, Six Degrees Investor Relations, +61 (0) 431 271 538
About Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
Neurizon Therapeutics Limited (ASX: NUZ) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to advancing
treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Neurizon is developing its lead drug candidate, NUZ-001, for the
treatment of ALS, which is the most common form of motor neurone disease. Neurizon’s strategy is to accelerate
access to effective ALS treatments for patients while exploring NUZ-001’s potential for broader neurodegenerative
applications. Through international collaborations and rigorous clinical programs, Neurizon is dedicated to creating
new horizons for patients and families impacted by complex neural disorders.
Neurizon Investor Hub
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To access Neurizon Investor Hub please scan the QR code or visit
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Neurizon® is a registered trademark of Neurizon Therapeutics Limited
Level 4, 96-100 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Tel: +61 3 9692 7222
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