Turn Therapeutics Appoints Physician-Scientist and Former FDA Commissioner, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, as Executive Clinical and Regulatory Lead

Key Terms

atopic dermatitis medical

A chronic inflammatory skin condition, often called eczema, that causes dry, itchy, red patches and recurring flare-ups; think of it as a persistent rash that can come and go over a person’s life. It matters to investors because its chronic nature and large patient population create steady demand for treatments, influence drug development and approval decisions, affect healthcare costs and reimbursement, and can drive revenue and valuation shifts for companies working on therapies and diagnostics.

eczema medical

A chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, dry or scaly patches and periods of flaring and remission; it is often known as atopic dermatitis. Investors care because it creates sustained demand for prescription drugs, over‑the‑counter treatments, diagnostic tools and long‑term care services, and outcomes of clinical trials or regulatory decisions can meaningfully change a company’s revenue prospects—think of it like a recurring household repair problem that keeps creating market need.

topical therapy medical

A topical therapy is a medicine applied directly to the skin, eyes, or other body surfaces—think of it like painting a treatment onto the area that needs help rather than swallowing a pill. For investors, the delivery method matters because topical products often have lower systemic side effects, simpler manufacturing and distribution, and clear market niches, all of which can influence approval chances, pricing, patient adoption, and potential revenue streams.

phase 2 medical

Phase 2 is the mid-stage clinical trial where a new drug or treatment is tested in a larger group of patients to see if it works and to keep checking safety after initial human testing. Think of it as a field test that proves whether a product actually delivers its promised benefit. Investors watch Phase 2 closely because its results strongly influence a medicine’s chances of reaching the market, the size of its potential sales, and the company’s valuation.

clinical trial medical

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.

systemic effects medical

Systemic effects are impacts that spread throughout an entire system—biological, financial, or organizational—rather than being confined to one part. For investors, systemic effects matter because they can change a company’s risk profile or market outlook suddenly and broadly (for example, a drug causing whole-body side effects, a regulation hitting an entire industry, or a market shock that disrupts many firms), much like a power outage that affects a whole neighborhood rather than a single house.

regulatory regulatory

Relating to rules, government agencies, and official approvals that control how companies operate, what products they can sell, and how transactions are reported. For investors, regulatory matters matter because they can change a business’s costs, legal risks, or ability to sell products — like a traffic light that can slow, stop, or clear the flow of a company’s growth and profits. Regulatory actions or changes can therefore affect stock value and investment risk.

inflammatory skin diseases medical

A group of conditions where the skin becomes chronically red, itchy or scaly because the body’s immune system is overactive in that area; common examples include eczema and psoriasis. Investors care because these disorders affect large numbers of people, drive demand for drugs, devices and ongoing treatments, and can influence company revenues and regulatory risk — think of it like a widespread household problem that creates steady demand for repair and prevention products.

Dr. Hahn Brings Unparalleled Clinical and Regulatory Expertise to Support Advancement of GX-03 for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis and Pipeline Indications 


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Turn Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: TTRX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing targeted, localized therapies for inflammatory skin diseases, today announced the appointment of Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to oversee the clinical and regulatory strategy for GX-03, the Company’s investigational topical therapy currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema).

“Patients with inflammatory skin diseases still lack adequate treatment options, especially therapies that work well without causing significant systemic effects. GX-03 represents a differentiated approach focused on treating inflammation directly at the site of disease, potentially offering an important new localized treatment option,” said Stephen Hahn. “This mission is deeply personal for me. My own family has struggled with atopic dermatitis, and I know firsthand how difficult and frustrating it can be. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on advancing therapies that are both scientifically rigorous and truly meaningful for patients. I look forward to working with the Turn Therapeutics team to help bring this potential therapy forward responsibly and urgently.”

“There are very few people in this industry who combine scientific rigor, regulatory expertise, and genuine compassion for patients the way Dr. Hahn does,” said Bradley Burnam, Chief Executive Officer of Turn Therapeutics. “His interest in treatment options for inflammatory skin disease is not just professional, it is personal, and you can see that in the way he approaches this work. Beyond his extraordinary experience leading major clinical and regulatory organizations, he brings a level of thoughtfulness, integrity, and patient focus. We are incredibly fortunate to have him helping guide our path forward.”

About Dr. Stephen M. Hahn

Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., is a physician, biotechnology executive, and former Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with decades of leadership experience spanning clinical medicine, regulatory science, healthcare operations, and medical product development. As the 24th FDA Commissioner from 2019 to 2021, Dr. Hahn oversaw both COVID and non-COVID regulatory activities, including therapeutics, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices, and clinical trials.

Prior to joining the FDA, Dr. Hahn served as Chief Medical Executive, Deputy President, and Chief Operating Officer at MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he helped oversee one of the world’s leading academic medical centers with more than 21,000 employees and a $5.2 billion operating budget. He also held senior academic and clinical leadership positions at MD Anderson and the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. In the biotechnology sector, Dr. Hahn has served in executive leadership roles including CEO-Partner at Flagship Pioneering and Chief Executive Officer of Harbinger Health. He has extensive experience in clinical research and medical product development, including topical therapies, and has authored more than 220 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Dr. Hahn earned his M.D. from Temple University and his B.A. in Biology from Rice University. He completed his internal medicine residency at University of California, San Francisco, and his fellowship and residency training at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland.

About GX-03

GX-03 is a first-in-class, non-systemic, topical cytokine-modulating therapy in development for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). By stabilizing the cutaneous microenvironment and modulating epithelial danger sensing, GX-03 is designed to address IL-36, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-31 signaling through upstream prevention rather than downstream, systemic suppression. GX-03 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial, with topline results expected in mid-2026.

About Turn Therapeutics

Turn Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing innovative, precision therapies that target the underlying causes of inflammatory diseases with high unmet needs. Its lead investigational therapy, GX-03, is a first-in-class, non-systemic topical inhibitor currently in development for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. This therapy is designed to modulate key inflammatory pathways involved in eczema and other inflammatory dermatological conditions.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “suggest,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Turn Therapeutics’ current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including risks related to the success of development programs, and the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plan. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Turn Therapeutics in general, see the risk disclosures in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Turn Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Investor Relations / Media Contact
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Source: Turn Therapeutics Inc.