Kyverna Therapeutics Appoints Mayo Pujols as Chief Technology Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Kyverna Therapeutics (NASDAQ: KYTX) named Mayo Pujols as Chief Technology Officer, effective February 9, 2026, succeeding Karen Walker who will consult during the transition.

Pujols brings 30+ years in cell and gene therapy manufacturing. Kyverna disclosed an inducement option for 300,000 shares vesting over four years; grant tied to the closing stock price on the grant date.

Positive

• Appointed CTO with >30 years cell and gene therapy experience
• Successor arrangement preserves continuity for BLA submission
• Inducement option aligns CTO incentives: 300,000 shares vesting

Negative

• Potential shareholder dilution from a 300,000-share option grant
• Document contains a start-date inconsistency (Feb 9, 2026 vs Feb 9, 2025)

Key Figures

Industry experience: more than 30 years CTO start date: February 9, 2026 Inducement option grant: 300,000 shares +5 more

8 metrics

Industry experience more than 30 years Technical operations and manufacturing background

CTO start date February 9, 2026 Effective date of Chief Technology Officer appointment

Inducement option grant 300,000 shares Stock option granted under 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan

Vesting schedule cliff 25% Portion vesting on one-year anniversary of appointment

Vesting duration 4 years Option vests over four years with monthly installments

Monthly vesting fraction 1/48th Monthly vesting of remaining option shares after year one

Current share price $8.33 Price before the CTO appointment news

52-week range $1.78–$13.67 52-week low and high before this announcement

Market Reality Check

Price: $8.33 Vol: Volume 689,191 is below 2...

normal vol

$8.33 Last Close

Volume Volume 689,191 is below 20-day average 959,726 (relative volume 0.72x). normal

Technical Trading above 200-day MA with price 8.33 vs 200-day MA 5.23.

Peers on Argus

KYTX gained 4% while peers were mixed: CABA -0.64%, CRBU +4.29%, ELTX +6.02%, NT...

1 Up

KYTX gained 4% while peers were mixed: CABA -0.64%, CRBU +4.29%, ELTX +6.02%, NTHI +1.2%, TLSA -2.7%. Momentum scanner only flagged CRBU (+6.85%).

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 12 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 12	Corporate update	Positive	-1.1%	Outlined 2026 priorities, BLA timing and cash runway extension.
Jan 05	Conference presentation	Neutral	-7.3%	Announced CEO presentation time and webcast access for JPM conference.
Dec 17	Equity offering priced	Negative	-32.5%	Priced $100M common stock offering at $7.50 with underwriter option.
Dec 15	Equity offering planned	Negative	+23.2%	Proposed $100M common stock offering with $15M underwriter option.
Dec 15	Clinical data update	Positive	+23.2%	Reported positive topline KYSA-8 data for miv-cel in SPS patients.

Pattern Detected

Recent news shows mixed reactions: strong moves on offerings and pivotal clinical data, with some negative reactions even to neutral/positive updates.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Kyverna has reported several key milestones. On Dec 15, 2025, positive registrational KYSA-8 Phase 2 data for miv-cel in stiff person syndrome drove a 23.23% move, alongside a proposed $100,000,000 equity offering. That offering was priced on Dec 17, 2025, coinciding with a -32.52% reaction. A corporate update and 2026 strategic priorities on Jan 12, 2026 led to a modest -1.08% move, while a J.P. Morgan conference presentation on Jan 5, 2026 saw a -7.3% reaction. Today’s leadership appointment fits into this transition toward commercialization.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds an experienced CTO as Kyverna prepares a BLA for miv-cel and transitions towa...

Analysis

This announcement adds an experienced CTO as Kyverna prepares a BLA for miv-cel and transitions toward commercialization. The stock traded at $8.33, above its $5.23 200-day MA and well off its $1.78 52-week low, following recent financings and positive SPS data. Investors may watch execution on manufacturing scale-up, timing and quality of the BLA submission, future equity compensation or offerings, and how leadership changes integrate with prior strategic updates.

Key Terms

car t-cell therapies, biologics license application (bla), stiff person syndrome, inducement equity incentive plan, +1 more

5 terms

car t-cell therapies medical

"scaling commercial manufacturing for CAR T-cell therapies and complex biologics"

CAR T-cell therapies are treatments that remove a patient’s immune cells, reprogram them to recognize specific cancer markers, and return them to the body so they act like specially trained soldiers hunting tumor cells. They matter to investors because they can offer powerful, long-lasting benefits for hard-to-treat cancers but come with high development, manufacturing and regulatory costs, pricing and reimbursement uncertainty, and concentrated market risk that can drive big gains or losses.

biologics license application (bla) regulatory

"continuity for the Company’s biologics license application (BLA) submission for miv-cel"

A biologics license application (BLA) is a formal request to a government agency seeking approval to sell a biological medicine, such as vaccines or gene therapies, in the market. It is similar to a detailed report that proves the product is safe, effective, and manufactured properly. For investors, a BLA signifies a critical step toward commercial availability, often impacting a company's valuation and market prospects.

stiff person syndrome medical

"submission for miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101) in stiff person syndrome."

A rare neurological disorder in which muscles become abnormally stiff and prone to painful spasms, often triggered by movement, noise, or emotional stress; it is usually caused by an immune system problem that interferes with normal nerve signals to muscles. Investors care because the condition creates demand for specialized diagnostics, long-term therapies, and clinical research; progress or setbacks in treatments, approvals, or trial results can materially affect companies developing drugs, medical devices, or diagnostic tests, similar to how a breakthrough in a small but underserved market can change a company’s prospects.

inducement equity incentive plan financial

"pursuant to the Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan"

An inducement equity incentive plan is a program that grants employees or executives company shares or stock options to motivate and reward their work, often as a way to attract new talent. It aligns their interests with the company's success, encouraging them to contribute to long-term growth. For investors, such plans can influence a company's stock performance and overall financial health by motivating key personnel.

nasdaq listing rule 5635(c)(4) regulatory

"in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)."

NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) is a rule that requires a company to get approval from its shareholders before selling a large amount of its shares, usually over 20%. This helps protect investors by making sure the company doesn't flood the market with new shares without their say, which could lower the stock's value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Mr. Pujols brings more than 30 years of technical operations expertise to role, scaling commercial manufacturing for CAR T-cell therapies and complex biologics, as Kyverna advances towards launch of miv-cel

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing cell therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases, today announced the appointment of Mayo Pujols as its Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective February 9, 2026.

Mr. Pujols brings more than 30 years of technical operations experience to the role with a deep background in leading late-stage and commercial manufacturing for cell and gene therapies. His work spans both large-scale and smaller biopharmaceutical companies with a proven track record of successfully advancing programs across their lifecycles. He succeeds Karen Walker, who is retiring. Ms. Walker will serve in a consultative capacity to ensure a seamless transition and continuity for the Company’s biologics license application (BLA) submission for miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101) in stiff person syndrome.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mayo as we transition to a commercial-stage company in preparation for the potential launch of miv-cel in stiff person syndrome, while continuing to innovate with our next-generation pipeline,” said Warner Biddle, Chief Executive Officer of Kyverna. “Mayo’s proven track record of disciplined execution and operational delivery will be instrumental to Kyverna as we seek to advance manufacturing operations and delivery of our CAR T-cell therapies to patients with autoimmune diseases. On behalf of the Kyverna leadership team, I also want to thank Karen for the significant contributions she has made in building our technical operations capabilities, which have supported the Company’s successful execution and leadership position in autoimmune CAR T.”

Most recently, Mr. Pujols served as Chief Operating Officer of Castle Creek Biosciences, where he oversaw late-stage autologous cell therapy operations. Prior to Castle Creek, Mr. Pujols served as CTO at Rocket Pharmaceuticals, where he guided multiple gene therapy programs through key regulatory milestones. He also previously served as CEO of Andelyn Biosciences, a contract development and manufacturing company, where he built and scaled the business to serve cell and gene therapy companies. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pujols held several global technical operations positions, including as the Global Head of Cell and Gene Therapy at Novartis and Vice President of Global CAR T Operations and Technology at Celgene as well as senior roles at Advaxis, Merck, AstraZeneca/MedImmune and Schering Plough.

“I am excited to join Kyverna at this pivotal time and help advance the organization into its next critical phase of growth,” said Mr. Pujols. “The Company has demonstrated remarkable progress in advancing miv-cel towards registration and establishing first-in-class leadership in autoimmune CAR T. I look forward to working with the team to further accelerate our technical operations to support the launch of the Company’s transformative therapies for patients living with autoimmune diseases.”

Mr. Pujols holds an M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Inducement Grant
In connection with the appointment of Mr. Pujols as Kyverna's Technology Officer, on his start date, expected to be February 9, 2025, Kyverna will grant Mr. Pujols an option to purchase 300,000 shares of its common stock (Option). The Option will be granted pursuant to the Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. 2024 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan and will be granted as an inducement material to Mr. Pujols’ employment with Kyverna in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The exercise price of the Option will be the closing price of Kyverna's common stock on the date of grant. The Option will vest over four years, with 25% of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting on the one-year anniversary of Mr. Pujols’ appointment and 1/48th of the total number of shares subject to the Option vesting monthly thereafter, subject in each case to Mr. Pujols’ continued service to Kyverna on each vesting date. Kyverna is providing this information in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

About miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101)
Miv-cel is a fully human, autologous, CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy with CD28 co-stimulation, designed for potency and tolerability, which is under investigation for B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. With a single administration, miv-cel has potential to achieve deep B-cell depletion and immune system reset to deliver durable drug-free, disease-free remission in autoimmune diseases. 

About Kyverna Therapeutics
Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KYTX) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on liberating autoimmune patients through the curative potential of cell therapy. Kyverna’s lead autologous CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy candidate, miv-cel (mivocabtagene autoleucel, KYV-101), has demonstrated the potential to fundamentally change the treatment paradigm across multiple B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Kyverna is advancing its potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise with its recently completed registrational trial in stiff person syndrome and an ongoing registrational trial for generalized myasthenia gravis. The Company is also harnessing other KYSA trials and investigator-initiated trials, including in multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, to inform the next priority indications. Additionally, its next generation pipeline includes CAR T-cell therapies deploying novel innovations to improve patient access and experience. For more information, please visit https://kyvernatx.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” The words, without limitation, “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, those related to: Kyverna’s next phase of growth, including its potential transition to a commercial-stage company; the potential launch of miv-cel in stiff person syndrome; Kyverna’s pipeline opportunities; the potential optimization of Kyverna’s manufacturing and patient delivery of its CAR T-cell therapies to patients with autoimmune diseases and Kyverna’s potentially first-in-class neuroimmunology franchise. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties related to market conditions, the possibility that results from prior clinical trials, named-patient access activities and preclinical studies may not necessarily be predictive of future results; the possibility that the past track records of Kyverna and its personnel may not be repeated or indicative of future success; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Kyverna’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q that Kyverna has filed or may subsequently file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on the current expectations of Kyverna’s management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Kyverna specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:
Investors: InvestorRelations@kyvernatx.com
Media: media@kyvernatx.com

FAQ

Who is Mayo Pujols and what role will he have at Kyverna (KYTX)?

Mayo Pujols will serve as Kyverna's Chief Technology Officer effective February 9, 2026. According to the company, he brings over 30 years of technical operations experience in cell and gene therapy manufacturing to lead commercial manufacturing scale-up and operations.

What is the equity inducement for the new CTO at Kyverna (KYTX)?

Kyverna will grant an option to purchase 300,000 shares on the CTO's start date. According to the company, the option vests over four years with 25% after one year and monthly vesting thereafter, exercise price set at the closing price on grant date.

How will the CTO transition affect Kyverna's miv-cel BLA timeline (KYTX)?

Kyverna says the outgoing CTO will consult to ensure a seamless transition supporting the BLA for miv-cel. According to the company, the arrangement intends to preserve continuity during regulatory submission and potential launch preparations for stiff person syndrome.

When does Kyverna (KYTX) expect the new CTO to start and is there any date discrepancy?

The company reports the CTO appointment is effective February 9, 2026, with an inducement grant described as effective on the start date. According to the company, the release also contains a conflicting 2025 date, which may be a typographical error.

What prior experience does Mayo Pujols bring that matters to Kyverna shareholders (KYTX)?

Pujols has led late-stage and commercial manufacturing roles at multiple cell and gene therapy firms. According to the company, his background includes global CAR T and gene therapy operations at major biopharma organizations and prior CEO/CTO roles at CDMO and therapy companies.