Defence Announces US Molecular and Antibody Research Expert Dr. Elias Theodorou Joins Defence's Management Team as Chief Operating Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Defence Therapeutics (DTCFF) has appointed Dr. Elias Theodorou as Chief Operating Officer, effective April 2025. Dr. Theodorou brings over 25 years of experience in cancer research, stem cell differentiation, and gene delivery to the biopharmaceutical company.

A Yale University Ph.D. graduate and co-founder of Protos Biologics Inc., Dr. Theodorou previously served as Director of Research at WBC Biosciences , where he co-invented methods to enhance immune cells' anticancer properties. Based in the Boston area, he will focus on advancing Defence's Accum® technology and strengthening the company's position in the US biotech market.

As part of his compensation package, Dr. Theodorou has been granted 350,000 stock options, with 100,000 vesting immediately and 250,000 vesting in one year, exercisable at $1.07 per share over ten years.

Positive

• Strategic hire of experienced COO with 25+ years expertise in relevant fields
• Expansion into US market through Boston biotech hub
• Addition of patent holder and Yale Ph.D. to executive team

Negative

• Significant stock-based compensation of 350,000 options could lead to future dilution

Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - March 26, 2025) - Defence Therapeutics Inc. (CSE: DTC) (OTCQB: DTCFF) (FSE: DTC) ("Defence" or the "Company"), a Canadian biopharmaceutical company developing radiopharmaceuticals and ADC products using its proprietary platform and drug delivery technologies in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines, is pleased to announce that Dr. Elias Theodorou is joining the management team as the Chief Operating Officer "COO", effective in April, 2025.

Dr. Elias Theodorou, Ph.D., is a molecular biologist with over 25 years of experience in cancer research, stem cell differentiation, and gene delivery. He is the co-founder of Protos Biologics Inc., where he has been developing innovative DNA delivery systems. Previously, he served as the Director of Research at WBC Biosciences LLC, where he co-invented a method to modify innate immune cells for enhanced anticancer properties. Dr. Theodorou earned his Ph.D. from Yale University, focusing on identifying novel drivers of neural differentiation. He has authored numerous publications and holds patents related to gene therapy and protein engineering

"Dr. Theodorou's appointment as COO marks a significant milestone for Defence Therapeutics," said Sébastien Plouffe, President, CEO, and Founder of Defence Therapeutics. "His leadership, scientific acumen, and extensive experience in innovative biotech startups will be crucial in accelerating our development programs and strengthening our position in the US market. Based in the Boston area, Dr. Theodorou will spearhead our efforts to tap into the exceptional resources and expertise of the US biotech ecosystem. His ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical applications aligns perfectly with our mission to advance the Accum^® technology. We are confident that Dr. Theodorou's expertise, particularly in gene delivery and cancer research, combined with the innovative environment of the US biotech sector, will catalyze the full potential of our platform in the fields of ADCs and radioimmunoconjugates."

"I am thrilled to join Defence Therapeutics as Chief Operating Officer at this pivotal moment in the Company's growth," said Dr. Elias Theodorou. "The Accum^® platform represents a groundbreaking approach in the field of drug delivery. My experience in molecular biology and innovative drug delivery systems aligns perfectly with Defence's mission. From our strategic position in the Boston biotech hub, we are poised to accelerate the development of our technology and forge crucial partnerships that will drive the next wave of cancer therapeutics. I look forward to working with the talented team at Defence to translate our scientific advancements into life-changing treatments for patients."

The Company has granted 350,000 incentive stock options to Dr. Theodorou (the "Options"), in accordance with the terms and conditions of Defence's Omnibus Incentive Plan. Of the Options, 100,000 stock option shall vest immediately, and 250,000 stock option shall vest in one year from the date of grant. The Options are exercisable at a price of $1.07 per share for a period of ten years from the date of grant.

About Defence:

Defence Therapeutics is a publicly-traded clinical-stage biotechnology company developing and engineering the next generation of radio-immuno-conjugate and ADC products using its proprietary platform in addition to novel immune-oncology vaccines. The core of Defence Therapeutics platform is the ACCUM^® technology, which enables precision delivery of radio-immuno-conjugates or ADCs in their intact form to target cells, and vaccine antigens. As a result, increased efficacy and potency can be reached against catastrophic illness such as cancer and infectious diseases.

For further information:
Sebastien Plouffe, President, CEO and Director
P: (514) 947-2272
Splouffe@defencetherapeutics.com
www.defencetherapeutics.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Neither the CSE nor its market regulator, as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/246072

FAQ

When will Dr. Elias Theodorou start as COO of Defence Therapeutics (DTCFF)?

Dr. Theodorou will start as COO of Defence Therapeutics in April 2025.

What are Dr. Theodorou's main responsibilities at Defence Therapeutics (DTCFF)?

He will spearhead US market expansion, advance the Accum® technology, and focus on developing ADCs and radioimmunoconjugates from the Boston biotech hub.

What stock options were granted to Dr. Theodorou by Defence Therapeutics (DTCFF)?

350,000 stock options at $1.07 per share: 100,000 vesting immediately and 250,000 vesting in one year, exercisable for ten years.

What is Dr. Theodorou's background and experience before joining Defence Therapeutics (DTCFF)?

He has 25+ years in cancer research, a Yale Ph.D., co-founded Protos Biologics, and was Research Director at WBC Biosciences, specializing in gene delivery and immune cell modification.