uniQure hires ex-AstraZeneca exec as CMO

Dutch human gene therapy specialist uniQure (Nasdaq: QURE) has named Steven Zelenkofske as chief medical officer, effective immediately.

He will report to Matt Kapusta, chief executive of uniQure, and will be based in the company’s Lexington, Massachusetts facility. Dr Zelenkofske will succeed Christian Meyer, and be responsible for leading all clinical research and development, medical affairs and related functions at uniQure. Dr Meyer, who has made significant contributions to uniQure since joining the company in 2013, will work closely with Dr Zelenkofske to ensure a seamless transition.

“Steve is a proven leader with both important industry and clinical practice experience,” said Mr Kapusta. “He has worked effectively in both large and small corporate environments and has an accomplished track record leading clinical research through all phases of development and onto successful regulatory approvals. As we advance our hemophilia B and Huntington’s disease programs through the clinic, expanding our medical and clinical capabilities in the United States will become increasingly important, and Steve’s broad experience will be instrumental in helping uniQure deliver our gene therapy candidates to patients.”