Whitehawk Therapeutics Appoints Margaret Dugan, MD, as Chief Medical Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Whitehawk Therapeutics (Nasdaq: WHWK) announced on December 1, 2025 the appointment of Margaret Dugan, MD, as Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Dugan brings more than 30 years of global oncology drug development experience, leadership in early-stage development, oversight of more than 12 Phase 1 programs, and involvement in regulatory approvals for multiple oncology drugs. She previously led early development at Novartis, served as CMO at Dracen Pharmaceuticals and Schrödinger, and advanced programs from proof-of-concept into clinical stages, including delivering three Phase 1 assets and moving a program to Phase 2 readiness in under 18 months. Whitehawk said the hire supports its plan to advance ADC programs toward clinical development.

Positive

• 30+ years of oncology drug development leadership
• Oversaw > 12 Phase 1 programs
• Contributed to multiple regulatory approvals for oncology therapies
• Built and led early development organization at Novartis
• Delivered 3 Phase 1 assets and moved a program to Phase 2 readiness in <18 months

Negative

• None.

Dr. Dugan brings extensive clinical development leadership to Whitehawk as ADC programs near the clinic

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: WHWK), an oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved antibody drug conjugate (ADC) cancer treatments, today announced the appointment of Margaret Dugan, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Dugan brings more than 30 years of global oncology drug development experience, with extensive expertise in early-stage clinical development and regulatory strategy.

"I'm delighted to welcome Margaret to Whitehawk. Her strategic insight and deep early-development expertise strengthen our ability to design efficient, signal-rich clinical studies and rapidly translate our ADC portfolio into potentially impactful therapies for patients," said Dave Lennon, PhD, President and CEO of Whitehawk Therapeutics.

Dr. Dugan joins Whitehawk following more than three decades of oncology drug development leadership roles, with deep expertise in early-stage development. She has overseen more than 12 Phase 1 programs and was responsible for numerous regulatory approvals, including capmatinib, ceritinib, letrozole, temozolomide and photodynamic therapy in a variety of cancers. Dr. Dugan spent more than 15 years at Novartis, where she built and led the early development organization, advanced multiple programs from proof-of-concept to full clinical development and directly supported global regulatory approvals. She subsequently served as CMO at Dracen Pharmaceuticals, where she advanced the company's first clinical program through Phase 1 and secured Fast Track designation. Dr. Dugan later served as CMO at Schrödinger, where she built the clinical function, delivered three Phase 1 assets into the clinic and advanced a program to Phase 2 readiness in less than 18 months. Dr. Dugan began her career as a medical oncologist and investigator before transitioning into industry leadership roles that bridged translational science with late-stage execution.

"I'm excited to join Whitehawk during this important time in the company as we seek to move into clinical development," said Dr. Dugan, CMO of Whitehawk Therapeutics. "Whitehawk's approach combines smart target selection with a differentiated ADC profile, creating a compelling opportunity to deliver on the promise of next-generation ADC therapies. I'm looking forward to joining this talented team as we advance our portfolio with the aim of having a meaningful impact for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers."

About Whitehawk Therapeutics  
Whitehawk Therapeutics is an oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved cancer treatments. Whitehawk's advanced three-asset ADC portfolio is engineered to overcome the limitations of first-generation predecessors to deliver a meaningful impact for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. These assets are in-licensed from WuXi Biologics under an exclusive development and global commercialization agreement. More information on the Company is available at www.whitehawktx.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements 
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the business of Whitehawk Therapeutics that are not a description of historical facts within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations and may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the potential therapeutic value and market opportunity for the Company's ADC portfolio; the anticipated timing of the Company's development of its portfolio of ADC assets, including  moving the ADC assets into the clinic; expectations regarding the beneficial characteristics, safety, efficacy, therapeutic effects and the size of the potential targeted markets with respect to the Company's ADC assets; and the sufficiency of the Company's existing capital resources and the expected timeframe to fund the Company's future operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, uncertainties associated with preclinical and clinical development of the ADC portfolio, including potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; failure to demonstrate the efficacy of the ADC portfolio in preclinical and clinical studies; the risk that unforeseen adverse reactions or side effects may occur in the course of testing of the ADC assets; and risks related to the Company's estimates regarding future expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.

Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, including under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Whitehawk's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in Whitehawk's reports and other documents that Whitehawk has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov.

All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Whitehawk undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Contact:
IR@whitehawktx.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whitehawk-therapeutics-appoints-margaret-dugan-md-as-chief-medical-officer-302628702.html

SOURCE Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc.

FAQ

Who is Margaret Dugan and why did Whitehawk (WHWK) hire her as CMO on December 1, 2025?

Margaret Dugan is an oncology drug development leader with > 30 years experience; Whitehawk hired her to lead clinical development as its ADC programs near the clinic.

What clinical development experience does Whitehawk CMO Margaret Dugan bring to WHWK?

Dr. Dugan has overseen more than 12 Phase 1 programs, advanced programs from proof-of-concept to full development, and supported multiple regulatory approvals.

How will the CMO appointment affect Whitehawk's ADC programs (WHWK)?

The company says the appointment strengthens capability to design efficient, signal-rich trials and advance ADC assets toward clinical testing.

What prior companies did Margaret Dugan work at before joining Whitehawk (WHWK)?

She spent > 15 years at Novartis, and later served as CMO at Dracen Pharmaceuticals and Schrödinger.

Did Margaret Dugan achieve rapid program advancement at her prior roles relevant to WHWK shareholders?

Yes; at Schrödinger she delivered three Phase 1 assets and advanced a program to Phase 2 readiness in under 18 months.