Aiolos Bio, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, appointed René van der Merwe, chief medical officer, and Tapan Maniar, chief business officer.

van der Merwe brings more than two decades of R&D experience, having led global development programs for multiple approved asthma biologics. She served as vice president of respiratory development at AstraZeneca’s biologics division, MedImmune, where she was clinical program lead for tezepelumab and benralizumab in asthma, COPD, and atopic dermatitis. Previously, van der Merwe held roles as senior vice president of global clinical development at DBV Technologies and most recently served as chief medical officer and head of clinical development at Galvani Bioelectronics, a collaboration between GSK and Verily Lifesciences.

Maniar brings leadership experience across business development, operations, and strategic planning. He joins Aiolos Bio from Bain Capital Life Sciences where he led and managed investments across therapeutic areas. Previously, Maniar served as Genentech’s head of business development for technology platforms, where he worked closely with senior leaders of the R&D and commercial teams. Prior to Genentech, he was an engagement manager in McKinsey & Company’s healthcare practice, specializing on topics including portfolio strategy and business development.

“We are delighted to welcome René and Tapan as key members of our leadership team at this exciting time for the company as we prepare to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial for our lead drug candidate, AIO-001, in moderate-to-severe asthma patients,” said Khurem Farooq, Co-Founder and CEO of Aiolos Bio. “René’s over 20 years of clinical development experience and deep respiratory expertise will be instrumental in supporting the advancement of our innovative lead therapy and furthering the Company’s mission of helping patients and their caregivers breathe easier. Likewise, Tapan’s strategic acumen and diverse skill set across business development, M&A, and capital formation will serve Aiolos well as we continue to build out our operations.”