Kalaris Therapeutics Appoints Liisa Bayko as New CFO

Why This Matters: See our coverage of other industry executive team appointments and promotions here.

Kalaris Therapeutics is announcing the appointment of Liisa Bayko as the company’s new chief financial officer (CFO). Bayko most recently served as Managing Director and Senior Biotechnology Analyst at Evercore ISI.

Kalaris Mission Defined

Kalaris, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing and commercializing treatments for prevalent retinal diseases. The company’s TH103, a potentially best-in-class investigational dual-targeting biologic, is currently in a Phase Ib/II clinical trial. This trial, in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), is evaluating TH103’s ability to achieve extended intraocular retention.

TH103 may also have applications in wet AMD, diabetic eye disease, or retinal vein occlusion, according to Kalaris.

“I am excited to join the Kalaris Therapeutics leadership team,” Bayko said. “[I] look forward to helping the company achieve its mission to transform the lives of patients with retinal diseases.”

Experience of New CFO

In total, Bayko contributes more than two decades’ worth of experience in biotechnology finance, strategy, and capital markets. Prior to Evercore, she was a senior biotechnology analyst at JMP Securities. She was also involved in biopharma equity research at Next Generation Equity Research, Prudential Equity Group, and Baker Brothers Advisors.

Bayko began her career in corporate strategy at Searle/Pharmacia.

“I am delighted to welcome Liisa to our team,” Kalaris President and CEO Andrew Oxtoby said. “Liisa has extensive experience in assessing and valuing biotechnology companies, engaging the investor community, and navigating capital markets. She will be a valuable addition to our leadership team and support Kalaris’ evolution as we advance clinical development efforts.”