Carisma Therapeutics Inc. announced the appointment of Eugene P. Kennedy, M.D., F.A.C.S. as the Company's Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Kennedy brings over 15 years of clinical and industry experience, including cross-functional leadership driving clinical development and regulatory strategies for oncology and immuno-oncology focused organizations. In the role of Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kennedy will be responsible for overseeing Carisma's clinical development, regulatory and medical affairs functions.

Before joining Carisma, Dr. Kennedy served as Chief Medical Officer at Galera Therapeutics, where he oversaw the development of the company's radiotherapy in cancer. Prior to his time at Galera, Dr. Kennedy served as Chief Medical Officer at Innovative Cellular Therapeutics, where he played a pivotal role in developing the Phase 1 clinical protocol and securing a first-in-human IND for a solid tumor CAR T-cell therapy. Previously, he served as Chief Medical Officer at Lumos Pharma, where he was responsible for clinical development strategy and execution, alongside investor and patient engagement efforts.

Before Lumos, Dr. Kennedy held the role of Chief Medical Officer at NewLink Genetics, overseeing clinical trials across multiple product candidates and indications. Prior to joining NewLink Genetics, he served as Associate Professor of Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University and held leadership positions as Chief of the Section of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery and Co-Director of the Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary & Related Cancers Center. Dr. Kennedy also has practiced, taught, and held leadership roles at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Louisiana State University.

Dr. Kennedy received a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and an M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia.