MannKind Appoints Dr. Ajay Ahuja as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a developer of inhaled therapeutic products for endocrine and orphan lung diseases, has appointed Dr. Ajay Ahuja as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, effective September 29, 2025.

Dr. Ahuja brings over 20 years of biopharmaceutical leadership experience, most recently serving as Development and Launch Leader at Kardigan Bio. His extensive background includes senior roles at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, Takeda, Pfizer, and Novartis. Dr. Ahuja holds an MD from Washington University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, and practiced medicine at Boston Children's Hospital for over a decade.

Positive

• Appointment of highly qualified CMO with over 20 years of industry experience
• New CMO brings specific expertise in cardiometabolic diseases, aligning with company's focus
• Addition of executive with proven track record in medical affairs and clinical development

Negative

• None.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), a company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices for patients with endocrine and orphan lung diseases, today announced the appointment of Ajay Ahuja, MD, MBA, as Chief Medical Officer, effective today. Dr. Ahuja will report directly to Michael Castagna, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer, and will serve on the company’s executive leadership team.

“Ajay’s deep expertise in medical affairs, clinical development, and global strategy—combined with his background as a practicing physician—will be instrumental as we continue to advance our pipeline and expand our impact in endocrine and orphan lung diseases,” said Dr. Castagna. “In particular, his experience in the cardiometabolic area will be instrumental to our future. We are thrilled to welcome him to MannKind’s executive team.”

Dr. Ahuja brings to MannKind more than two decades of leadership experience across the biopharmaceutical industry, spanning development-stage companies and global pharmaceutical firms since 2003. Most recently, he served as the Development and Launch Leader for a late-stage DNA-based therapeutic at Kardigan Bio, a cardiology-focused biopharmaceutical company.

Previously, Dr. Ahuja held senior leadership roles at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, where he built out the US Medical department and launched multiple novel compounds. At Allergan, he served as Global Head of Medical Affairs, overseeing all therapeutic areas and a team of over 100 professionals across the U.S. and international markets. Earlier in his career, he was Global Medical Head for Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ cardiometabolic franchise, with a focus on diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Ahuja also held impactful roles at Pfizer, Novartis, and Tepha, Inc.

“MannKind’s dedication to innovation and patient-centric solutions deeply resonates with my commitment to advancing transformative therapies,” said Dr. Ahuja. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s mission and helping shape the future of the organization and working to benefit patients.”

Dr. Ahuja earned his Doctor of Medicine from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship training at Northwestern University and Harvard Medical School, respectively. As a board-certified physician, Dr. Ahuja practiced medicine on staff at Boston Children’s Hospital for over a decade. He also earned an MBA from Harvard Business School before embarking on his industry career.

About MannKind
MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative inhaled therapeutic products and devices to address serious unmet medical needs for those living with endocrine and orphan lung diseases.

We are committed to using our formulation capabilities and device engineering prowess to lessen the burden of diseases such as diabetes, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Our signature technologies – dry-powder formulations and inhalation devices – offer rapid and convenient delivery of medicines to the deep lung where they can exert an effect locally or enter the systemic circulation, depending on the target indication.

With a passionate team of Mannitarians collaborating nationwide, we are on a mission to give people control of their health and the freedom to live life.

Please visit mannkindcorp.com to learn more, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X or Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements about pipeline growth plans . Words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “will”, “goal”, “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon MannKind’s current expectations. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, the risk that the products we are commercializing or potentially acquiring may only achieve a limited degree of commercial success, the need for product candidates to undergo nonclinical and clinical testing and obtain regulatory approval prior to their sale and marketing, and other risks detailed in MannKind’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and MannKind undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

MANNKIND is a registered trademark of MannKind Corporation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a4f113a3-6fb0-40d2-8dd9-2d4119e6d6ca

MannKind Contacts:
Media Relations
Christie Iacangelo
Email: media@mnkd.com

Investor Relations
Ana Kapor
Email: ir@mnkd.com

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Medical Officer of MannKind (MNKD)?

Dr. Ajay Ahuja has been appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of MannKind, effective September 29, 2025.

What is Dr. Ajay Ahuja's background before joining MannKind (MNKD)?

Dr. Ahuja was previously Development and Launch Leader at Kardigan Bio, held senior roles at Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, and Takeda, and practiced medicine at Boston Children's Hospital for over a decade.

What will be Dr. Ahuja's role at MannKind (MNKD)?

Dr. Ahuja will serve as Chief Medical Officer, reporting directly to CEO Michael Castagna and serving on the company's executive leadership team, focusing on advancing the pipeline in endocrine and orphan lung diseases.

What are Dr. Ajay Ahuja's educational qualifications?

Dr. Ahuja earned his MD from Washington University School of Medicine and completed training at Northwestern University and Harvard Medical School. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.