Hillstar Bio, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases, appointed Maude Tessier as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Shiva Krupa as Vice President of Program Management. 

Lauren Mifflin, who has been serving as COO and is Principal of Company Creation at Frazier Life Sciences, will be transitioning to an advisory role with Hillstar Bio.

These hires further strengthen the company’s leadership as it advances its pipeline and lead TRBV9 program for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) towards clinical entry in 2026. 

Maude Tessier

Maude brings over 18 years of biopharmaceutical experience with a multi-disciplinary background in company building, corporate strategy, fundraising, and business development to her role as COO. 

Previously, she served as Chief Business Officer (CBO) at Seismic Therapeutic, where she led financing, partnering, and corporate strategy. 

Also, as CBO of Ikena Oncology, Tessier built and managed business development, legal, and corporate strategy functions, leading a strategic partnership with BMS. 

Tessier’s career also includes leadership roles at Merck & Co., Boston Children’s Hospital, and Xanthus Pharmaceuticals. 

Shiva Krupa

As Vice President of Project Management, Shiva brings over 18 years of experience as a leader in R&D strategy, portfolio management, and program management in biotech and pharmaceutical verticals. 

She has led programs from discovery through pivotal trials, establishing program management principles, building and mentoring teams, and managing strategic partnerships. 

Krupa has held leadership positions at companies including Alltrna, Orna Therapeutics, AskBio, Homology Medicines, Biogen, and Novartis

“We are excited to welcome Maude and Shiva to the team,” said Robert Mabry, CEO of Hillstar Bio. “Their expertise, combined with the strength of our existing team, further enables us to execute on our mission to transform autoimmune treatment by selectively targeting pathogenic immune cells, offering patients the potential for durable relief and immune reset.”