FibroGen Appoints Michael Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D. to its Board of Directors

Rhea-AI Summary

FibroGen (NASDAQ: FGEN) has appointed Dr. Michael Kauffman to its Board of Directors effective June 4, 2025. Dr. Kauffman brings 30 years of life sciences industry experience, particularly in oncology therapeutics, with expertise spanning preclinical research, clinical development, regulatory strategy, and global approvals. He currently serves as CEO, president, and board member of Nereid Therapeutics and holds board positions at several biotech companies. His notable achievements include co-founding Karyopharm and leading the global approval of XPOVIO®, serving as CMO at Onyx Pharma overseeing Kyprolis® development, and leading the Velcade® development program at Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Kauffman, who holds an MD and PhD from Johns Hopkins Medical School, joins FibroGen as the company positions itself for a potential turnaround with its pipeline of first-in-class assets.

Positive

• Appointment of highly experienced biotech veteran with 30 years of industry expertise
• Dr. Kauffman brings successful track record in drug development and global approvals (XPOVIO®, Kyprolis®, Velcade®)
• Strategic addition of oncology expertise to guide FibroGen through upcoming clinical milestones

Negative

• None.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FibroGen, Inc. (NASDAQ: FGEN) today announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Kauffman to its Board of Directors effective June 4, 2025.

“Michael is a well-recognized biotech industry veteran, who brings a wealth of biotech leadership experience to our board,” said James Schoeneck, chairman of the board of directors of FibroGen. “His expertise spanning all stages of drug development will be invaluable as FibroGen progresses its pipeline. Michael’s deep understanding of oncology will help the company through anticipated near-term clinical milestones and potential value-drivers.”

“FibroGen has differentiated potential first-in-class assets and the company is positioning itself for a significant turnaround over the next several years,” said Dr. Kauffman. “It is an honor to join the board at this exciting time for the company, and I look forward to contributing to the company’s future success.”

Michael Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D.
Michael G. Kauffman, M.D., Ph.D. has about 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, particularly in oncology therapeutic products, including expertise in preclinical research, clinical development, regulatory strategy and global approvals. He currently serves as chief executive officer (CEO), president, and board member of Nereid Therapeutics Inc. and is the Lead Director on the board of Verastem Oncology. In addition to Verastem Oncology and Nereid, he is a board member for FoRx Therapeutics, Kezar Life Sciences, Incendia Therapeutics, and BiVictriX Therapeutics. Previously, Dr Kauffman served as the co-founder and CEO of Karyopharm, where he guided the Company's transition from a discovery stage biotechnology company to a commercial stage organization and the global approvals of XPOVIO®. Prior to joining Karyopharm, Dr Kauffman was CMO of Onyx Pharma, where he led the development of Kyprolis® following the Onyx acquisition of Proteolix Inc., where he served as board member and then CMO. Previously, Dr. Kauffman was President and Chief Executive officer of EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (previously Predix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Before that, he was the leader of the Velcade® development program at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and has also held a number of senior positions at Millennium Predictive Medicine and Biogen. Dr Kauffman received his MD and PhD from Johns Hopkins Medical School, trained in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel (Deaconess) Medical Center and in Rheumatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, and is board certified in Internal Medicine. 

About FibroGen
FibroGen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on development of novel therapies at the frontiers of cancer biology and anemia. Roxadustat (爱瑞卓®, EVRENZO™) is currently approved in China, Europe, Japan, and numerous other countries for the treatment of anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis and not on dialysis. The Company continues to evaluate a development plan for roxadustat in anemia associated with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) in the U.S. FG-3246 (also known as FOR46), a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD46 is in development for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This program also includes the development of FG-3180, an associated CD46-targeted PET biomarker. For more information, please visit www.fibrogen.com. 

For Investor Inquiries:
David DeLucia, CFA
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
ir@fibrogen.com

FAQ

Who is Michael Kauffman and why did FGEN appoint him to the board?

Dr. Michael Kauffman is a biotech industry veteran with 30 years of experience, particularly in oncology therapeutics. FGEN appointed him for his expertise in drug development and oncology to help guide the company through upcoming clinical milestones.

What is Dr. Kauffman's current role besides joining FGEN's board?

Dr. Kauffman currently serves as CEO, president, and board member of Nereid Therapeutics Inc. and is the Lead Director on Verastem Oncology's board.

What are Dr. Kauffman's major achievements in drug development?

Dr. Kauffman led the global approval of XPOVIO® at Karyopharm, oversaw Kyprolis® development as CMO of Onyx Pharma, and led the Velcade® development program at Millennium Pharmaceuticals.

When does Dr. Kauffman's appointment to FGEN's board become effective?

Dr. Kauffman's appointment to FibroGen's Board of Directors became effective June 4, 2025.

What is FibroGen's current business outlook according to the announcement?

According to the announcement, FibroGen has differentiated potential first-in-class assets and is positioning itself for a significant turnaround over the next several years.