Anavex Life Sciences Appoints Senior Vice President Global Head of Neurology

Rhea-AI Summary

Anavex (Nasdaq: AVXL) appointed Wolfgang Liedtke, MD PhD, as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology on January 8, 2026. Dr. Liedtke is a board-certified neurologist with >25 years of CNS drug development experience, most recently Chair of Neurology at Regeneron where he oversaw integration of 45 clinical trials (14 Phase 3). He led a CNS clinical trial with more than 11,000 patients, authored 160+ publications with an h-index of 82, served 17 years as tenured professor at Duke, discovered the TRPV4 ion channel, holds U.S. patents, and was elected to the American Clinical and Climatological Association.

Positive

• Oversaw integration into 45 clinical trials including 14 Phase 3
• Led a CNS clinical trial with >11,000 patients
• Authored 160+ peer-reviewed publications with an h-index of 82
• Served 17 years as tenured full professor at Duke

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+4.15%

1 alert

+4.15% News Effect

On the day this news was published, AVXL gained 4.15%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Clinical trials overseen: 45 clinical trials Phase 3 studies: 14 Phase 3 studies Large CNS trial size: more than 11,000 patients +5 more

8 metrics

Clinical trials overseen 45 clinical trials Neurology programs at Regeneron, including CNS diseases

Phase 3 studies 14 Phase 3 studies Late-stage trials integrated under his neurology leadership

Large CNS trial size more than 11,000 patients CNS clinical trial he helped complete

Publications 160+ peer-reviewed publications Authored by Dr. Liedtke across neurology and pain research

h-index h-index of 82 Bibliometric indicator of citation impact

Duke pain clinic patients more than 5,000 patients Patients treated in two pain-focused clinics he founded

Experience in neurology more than 25 years Developing medicines across CNS diseases and genetic medicines

Tenured role duration 17 years Tenured Full Professor at Duke University

Market Reality Check

Price: $4.70 Vol: Volume 1,600,058 is 0.69x...

low vol

$4.70 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,600,058 is 0.69x the 20-day average, indicating muted trading vs recent norms. low

Technical Shares at $4.10, trading below the $8.21 200-day MA and 71.23% under the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

AVXL gained 2.24% while several biotech peers in CNS/related areas also showed g...

AVXL gained 2.24% while several biotech peers in CNS/related areas also showed gains (e.g., PRAX +6.5%, ZBIO +9.7%, TNGX +20.43%), but no coordinated sector momentum was flagged by the scanner.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 06 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 06	FDA program update	Positive	+1.5%	FDA Type C meeting and collaborative feedback on Alzheimer’s program.
Dec 18	EMA re-exam request	Positive	-0.8%	Company asked EMA to re-examine prior opinion on blarcamesine.
Dec 12	EU negative opinion	Negative	+3.0%	CHMP adopted negative opinion on MAA for early Alzheimer’s treatment.
Nov 26	CTAD data presentation	Positive	+11.6%	Conference presentations of Phase IIb/III blarcamesine data and safety profile.
Nov 25	Q4 earnings update	Neutral	+12.3%	Quarterly results, cash runway commentary, and EU regulatory trend vote.

Pattern Detected

Recent news shows mixed alignment: AVXL has risen on both positive clinical/regulatory updates and on a negative CHMP opinion, with 3 aligned and 2 divergent reactions across the last 5 events.

Recent Company History

Over late 2025 and early 2026, Anavex news centered on blarcamesine’s Alzheimer’s program, European regulatory review, and broader clinical visibility. A CHMP negative opinion in Dec 2025 was followed by a re-examination request and CTAD data presentations highlighting precision-medicine signals. Financial results on Nov 25, 2025 emphasized cash resources and runway despite ongoing losses. On Jan 06, 2026, the FDA held a Type C meeting on blarcamesine, signaling continued regulatory dialogue. Today’s senior neurology hire fits into this pattern of advancing late-stage CNS development capabilities.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2025-07-14

The company has an active S-3 shelf registration filed on 2025-07-14, with one reported 424B5 prospectus supplement usage. The filing is noted as not yet effective, and no aggregate dollar capacity is specified in the provided context.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights Anavex’s effort to strengthen late-stage CNS development by adding a Gl...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Anavex’s effort to strengthen late-stage CNS development by adding a Global Head of Neurology with experience across 45 trials and 14 Phase 3 studies. In the past six months, key events have centered on blarcamesine’s EU review, CTAD data, and FDA interactions. Investors may watch how this hire influences execution on large-scale trials, regulatory engagement, and future data quality as AVXL trades below its $8.21 200-day MA and $14.25 52-week high.

Key Terms

trpv4 ion channel, channelopathy, kcc2 neuronal chloride transporter, neuroinflammation, +4 more

8 terms

trpv4 ion channel medical

"he discovered the TRPV4 ion channel, relevant for neuroinflammation and pain"

A TRPV4 ion channel is a protein in cell membranes that opens like a tiny gate in response to physical or chemical signals, letting charged particles such as calcium flow into cells and change how those cells behave. It matters to investors because drugs that block or activate this channel can become new treatments—or cause side effects—so progress in TRPV4 research can affect clinical trial prospects, regulatory risk, and the commercial value of medical programs.

channelopathy medical

"critically involved in TRPV4 channelopathy hereditary disorders including motor neuropathies"

A channelopathy is a disorder caused by malfunctioning protein channels that control the flow of charged particles into and out of cells, much like a faulty gate that disrupts traffic. For investors, channelopathies matter because they are targets for drug development and diagnostics: treatments that correct or compensate for these faulty channels can create new products, clinical trial opportunities, and market value for companies working in neurology, cardiology, and related fields.

kcc2 neuronal chloride transporter medical

"gene regulation of the KCC2 neuronal chloride transporter, relevant for neurodevelopmental disorders"

KCC2 neuronal chloride transporter is a protein in brain cells that acts like a tiny pump, moving chloride ions out of neurons to help maintain the balance that keeps inhibitory signals working properly. For investors, KCC2 matters because changes in its function are linked to conditions such as epilepsy, chronic pain, and some developmental disorders, making it a drug target and potential biomarker for therapies that aim to calm overactive brain circuits.

neuroinflammation medical

"TRPV4 ion channel, relevant for neuroinflammation and pain"

Neuroinflammation is the brain or spinal cord’s immune reaction to injury, infection, or abnormalities, where cells and molecules become active to protect or repair nervous tissue. It matters to investors because it underlies many neurological diseases and is a common target for drugs and diagnostic tools; positive or negative trial results, safety signals, or new therapies can change a company’s value much like a major repair plan or recall would affect a carmaker’s prospects.

neuroprotection medical

"including pathologic pain, neural anti-aging and neuroprotection"

Neuroprotection are treatments or strategies aimed at preventing or slowing damage to nerve cells in the brain and nervous system, much like a helmet protects a cyclist’s head. Investors care because successful neuroprotective therapies can delay progression of chronic brain disorders, shape clinical trial design and regulatory approval paths, and create large, long-term markets for drugs or devices that preserve patients’ function and reduce healthcare costs.

translational neuroscience medical

"pain research and translational neuroscience, combined with authorship of 160+"

Translational neuroscience is the process of turning discoveries about the brain and nervous system made in the lab into practical tests, treatments or devices that can be used with patients. For investors it matters because progress in this area signals whether early scientific findings are moving toward real-world products, clinical trials, regulatory milestones and potential revenue — much like turning a prototype into a market-ready product, with corresponding upside and development risk.

clinical trial technical

"completing a CNS clinical trial with more than 11,000 patients"

A clinical trial is a carefully controlled study in which a new medicine, medical device, or treatment is tested on people to see if it is safe and effective. For investors it matters because trial results determine whether a product can win regulatory approval and reach patients, much like a road test decides if a new car can be sold; positive or negative results can sharply change a company’s prospects and stock value.

h-index technical

"peer-reviewed publications, yielding a current h-index of 82"

A researcher’s h-index is a single number that measures both how many papers they’ve published and how often those papers are cited by others: an h-index of N means the researcher has N papers each referenced at least N times. For investors, it’s a quick gauge of a scientist’s influence and track record—useful when judging the credibility of teams behind technologies, like those in biotech—akin to counting both how many popular books an author has and how often readers recommend them.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NEW YORK, Jan. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and rare diseases, including Rett syndrome, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the appointment of Wolfgang Liedtke, MD PhD, as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology.

Dr. Liedtke is a board-certified neurologist, who brings more than 25 years of extensive experience in developing and delivering innovative medicines in a broad range of CNS diseases, including genetic medicines and global therapeutic development. Most recently he was Chair of Neurology at Regeneron, where he oversaw the integration of discovery into 45 clinical trials (14 Phase 3 studies). As a renowned physician-scientist, Dr Liedtke has a proven track record of successfully conducting late-stage development programs, exemplified by his leadership in completing a CNS clinical trial with more than 11,000 patients, and his contributions to successful late-stage trials of dupilumab. He brings to Anavex deep expertise in neurodegeneration, pain research and translational neuroscience, combined with authorship of 160+ peer-reviewed publications, yielding a current h-index of 82.

“I'm delighted to welcome Dr Liedtke to Anavex at this crucial moment. His substantial experience will play an essential role as we continue working to enhance value for both patients and shareholders,” said Christopher U. Missling, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anavex. “Dr Liedtke’s broad and profound expertise in neurology will be a tremendous asset as we advance Anavex’s mission to transform brain health through improved patient outcomes by developing convenient oral personalized treatments.”

“There is a major global unmet need in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders. I believe Anavex’s innovative patient-oriented precision medicine approach in neurology can meaningfully improve patient outcomes,” said Dr Liedtke. “I am excited to join the Anavex Team where patient-centered innovation is our passion in order to transform treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases once deemed untreatable.”

Prior to Regeneron, Dr Liedtke served 17 years as Tenured Full Professor at Duke University, where he established the Duke Pain Research Group, and founded two pain-focused clinics at Duke University Medical Center, providing clinical care for more than 5,000 patients. He was elected to the Medical Advisory Board of the U.S. Facial Pain Association where he is Lead Neurologist. Preceding Duke University, Dr Liedtke was Assistant Professor at The Rockefeller University where he discovered the TRPV4 ion channel, relevant for neuroinflammation and pain, and critically involved in TRPV4 channelopathy hereditary disorders including motor neuropathies. In addition to his TRPV4 discovery he also made key discoveries on gene regulation of the KCC2 neuronal chloride transporter, relevant for neurodevelopmental disorders, including pathologic pain, neural anti-aging and neuroprotection. Dr Liedtke’s profound translational expertise is highlighted by his works as a lead inventor on numerous U.S. patents and his recent election into the elite American Clinical and Climatological Association (ACCA).

About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.

Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: AVXL) is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, Rett syndrome, and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases, pain, and various types of cancer. Anavex's lead drug candidate, ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), has successfully completed a Phase 2a and a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease, a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in Parkinson's disease dementia, and both a Phase 2 and a Phase 3 study in adult patients and one Phase 2/3 study in pediatric patients with Rett syndrome. ANAVEX®2-73 is an orally available drug candidate designed to restore cellular homeostasis by targeting SIGMAR1 and muscarinic receptors. Preclinical studies demonstrated its potential to halt and/or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. ANAVEX®2-73 also exhibited anticonvulsant, anti-amnesic, neuroprotective, and anti-depressant properties in animal models, indicating its potential to treat additional CNS disorders, including epilepsy. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research previously awarded Anavex a research grant, which fully funded a preclinical study to develop ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. We believe that ANAVEX®3-71, which targets SIGMAR1 and M1 muscarinic receptors, is a promising clinical stage drug candidate demonstrating disease-modifying activity against the major hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease in transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice, including cognitive deficits, amyloid, and tau pathologies. In preclinical trials, ANAVEX®3-71 has shown beneficial effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Further information is available at www.anavex.com. You can also connect with the Company on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature are forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions based on current information and expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in any of such statements due to various factors, including the risks set forth in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Anavex Life Sciences Corp. undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

For Further Information:
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Research & Business Development
Toll-free: 1-844-689-3939
Email: info@anavex.com

Investors:
Andrew J. Barwicki
Investor Relations
Tel: 516-662-9461
Email: andrew@barwicki.com

FAQ

Who is Wolfgang Liedtke and what role did he accept at Anavex (AVXL) on January 8, 2026?

Wolfgang Liedtke, MD PhD, is a board-certified neurologist appointed as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology at Anavex on January 8, 2026.

What late-stage clinical experience does Dr. Liedtke bring to Anavex (AVXL)?

He oversaw the integration of 45 clinical trials (including 14 Phase 3) and led a CNS trial with more than 11,000 patients.

How does Dr. Liedtke's research background support Anavex's neurology focus (AVXL)?

Dr. Liedtke discovered the TRPV4 ion channel, has >160 publications and an h-index of 82, and holds multiple U.S. patents relevant to neuroinflammation and neuroprotection.

What prior academic leadership did Dr. Liedtke hold before joining Anavex (AVXL)?

He served 17 years as a tenured full professor at Duke University and founded pain-focused clinics that treated >5,000 patients.

Will Dr. Liedtke’s appointment likely affect Anavex’s clinical programs and investor outlook for AVXL?

The company presented the hire as strengthening neurology development; the announcement highlights his late-stage trial experience and translational expertise.