Avenzoar
Pharmaceuticals
Founded in 2016
Avenzoar Pharmaceuticals is a research-focused biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative cancer therapies.
These cancer drugs are aiming at targeting and inhibiting mechanisms of metastasis and drug resistance.
Founded on the principles of scientific excellence and patient-centric care, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients worldwide.
Key Accomplishments
Receiving orphan drug designation from the FDA for our pancreatic cancer treatment in July 2016 is a significant milestone for Avenzoar Pharmaceuticals. We anticipate a similar designation from the European Medicines Agency soon.
This status not only accelerates our approval process but also enhances our ability to bring this crucial treatment to cancer patients in need.
Our Strategy
To become a leader in oncology research and development by bringing novel, effective, and safe treatments to cancer patients in need. We focus on developing therapeutics that target multiple cancer-promoting pathways simultaneously. By doing so, we aim to treat recalcitrant cancers, particularly pancreatic and ovarian cancers, and target metastasis and chemo-resistance pathways.
To become a leader in oncology research and development by bringing novel, effective, and safe treatments to cancer patients in need. We focus on developing therapeutics that target multiple cancer-promoting pathways simultaneously. By doing so, we aim to treat recalcitrant cancers, particularly pancreatic and ovarian cancers, and target metastasis and chemo-resistance pathways.
Opportunities
We are seeking opportunities to bring our innovative therapies to market. Avenzoar’s deep expertise in cancer research and drug development with its threshold drug therapies in new small molecule therapeutics, including AP-001 are dedicated to advancing cancer treatment.
Board of Directors
At our core, we embody Innovation by pushing the boundaries of science to develop cutting-edge therapies, uphold Integrity by conducting research with the highest ethical standards, foster collaboration by partnering with industry leaders to advance cancer treatment, and maintain a steadfast Patient Focus by keeping cancer patients at the heart of everything we do.”
Shierley Widjaja - Board Member
Stephen Thesing
Chief Executive Officer
Mouad Edderkaoui, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Stephen Pandol, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Shierley Widjaja
Shierley Widjaja has served on Avenzoar’s Board of Directors since 2023. She has an impressive background in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, and serves as a Director at Prometheus Laboratories, Inc., and previously served as a Director at Prometheus Biosciences, Inc. Shierley worked as a Qualitative Research Associate at McKinley Capital Management. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Terrance "Terry" Bruggeman
Terrance Bruggeman has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of numerous life sciences companies, including Diversa, with a successful IPO, Provasis Therapeutics, which was acquired by Boston Scientific, and Somanta Pharmaceuticals, with a successful IPO via reverse merger.
Prior to his roles in life sciences, Mr. Bruggeman had a distinguished career as a commercial banker, Treasurer, and CFO of two NYSE-listed Fortune 100 companies. He also served as an investment banker and a partner in a venture capital and private equity firm. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and attendance in the MBA program at the Booth School of Business, University of Chicago.
