VALANX Biotech (VALANX), a biotechnology company developing new technologies for site-specific protein binding in drug discovery, today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), appointing John Lambert as chair, with Morris Rosenberg and Peter de Waele joining. The newly formed SAB will provide independent scientific and strategic guidance and bridge the gap between research and clinical application to advance the company’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) program, including VLX-ADC-001, a LIV-1-targeted ADC targeting metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, with lead candidate selection expected in June 2026. SAB’s CMC expertise will also support the implementation of the company’s GoldenSite™ technology into GMP manufacturing.
John Lambert PhD is a leading authority in ADC discovery and development, with particular expertise in ADC biology, payload/linker technology, and translational strategies in oncology. Prior to establishing himself as an independent consultant, he served as Executive Vice President and Distinguished Scientist at ImmunoGen, where he previously served as the company’s Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Regulatory Officer, in a variety of roles across biochemistry, process development, manufacturing, and quality. Dr. Lambert is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Bioengineering, a recipient of the World ADC Award for his long-standing contribution to the field, and is Professor Emeritus of Queen’s University, Belfast, UK.
Dr. Morris Rosenberg is a leading expert and biopharmaceutical consultant with more than 25 years of experience in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of biologics. He joins Seattle Genetics as executive vice president of process science after tenures at Biogen and Eli Lilly, where he built the antibody and ADC clinical and commercial supply chain and helped establish the company as a commercial biopharmaceutical business with a strong ADC portfolio. As Chief Technology Officer of Immunomedics, he oversaw the launch of Trodelvy for third-line triple-negative breast cancer. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development and launch of five additional approved therapies, including ADCETRIS, Avonex, Angiomax, Sigris, and Forteo.
Peter de Waele PhD is a leading expert in immuno-oncology, advanced therapeutics, and biotechnology innovation, with a long track record of integrating innovative science into early-stage clinical programs. Since 2006, he has been consulting to the industry with a focus on product development, regulatory issues, and intellectual property. Previously, he was Vice President of Research and Development and Intellectual Property and CSO at Celyad, and held senior positions at Cryo Save, including Head of European Activities and Director of Regulatory/Quality. His previous career includes executive positions such as Chief Technology Officer of CellTran and Chief Operating Officer of XCELLentis, where he oversaw the development of ATMP and multiple multicenter international Phase I, II, and III clinical trials. He began his industry career in 1986 at Innogenetics, where he eventually served as Chief Therapeutic Officer, developing several biologics, including vaccines, and leading the cell therapy business unit.
Dr. John Lambert, Chair of VLANX Biotech’s Scientific Advisory Board, added: “GoldenSite has strong potential to support the development of next-generation ADC therapeutics by addressing long-standing toxicity challenges and unlocking greater efficacy through site-selective binding. The team at VALANX has developed a clear and reliable strategy for the platform, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”
Michael Lukesch, Founder and CEO of VLANX Biotech, commented: “Establishing SAB is an important next step and milestone for VALANX. As we advance our differentiated ADC assets and GoldenSite platform into the clinic, the expertise of our Scientific Advisory Board will help shape our asset strategy and position us in the broader ADC space. We look forward to collaborating with these distinguished experts on ADC development.”
We are delighted to welcome John, Morris and Peter to our company. Appointing a leading ADC development expert with such extensive experience at this stage of our development gives us great confidence in our ability to navigate complex development challenges and advance the development of best-in-class therapeutics. We look forward to their guidance as we advance our lead program and build a pipeline to address unmet medical needs in oncology. ”
Dr. Klaus Ohlinger, Chief Scientific Officer, VALANX Biotech
