Biotech veteran Michael Bonney becomes Immunic (NASDAQ: IMUX) chair
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Immunic, Inc. appointed Michael W. Bonney as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective May 16, 2026. Bonney brings more than three decades of biopharmaceutical leadership, including CEO experience at Cubist Pharmaceuticals and senior commercial roles involved in launching Avonex for multiple sclerosis.
In connection with his appointment, he received options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of Immunic common stock, vesting monthly over three years at an exercise price equal to the May 15, 2026 Nasdaq closing price, subject to shareholder approval of an increase in the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan share reserve. Simona Skerjanec will transition from Interim Chairperson to continue as a director, and the Board size increases from nine to ten members. Immunic highlights its late-stage program vidofludimus calcium, currently in phase 3 trials in relapsing multiple sclerosis, with top-line data expected by the end of 2026.
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8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan financial
Regulation FD Disclosure regulatory
phase 3 clinical trials medical
multiple sclerosis medical
dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) medical
forward-looking statements regulatory
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Principal Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Principal Officers.
Appointment of Michael W. Bonney as Chair of the Board
On May 16, 2026 (the “Effective Date”), the board of directors (the “Board”) of Immunic, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) appointed Michael W. Bonney as Chair of the Board, effective immediately.
Mr. Bonney, age 67, has served as chair of the board of directors of Autolus Therapeutics plc since April 2024. He has also served as chair of the board of directors of Santa Ana Bio, Inc. since September 2025 and as the chair of the board of directors of Dunad Therapeutics LTD since 2023. He previously served as a director of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from December 2014 to December 2025; as chair of Alnylam from December 2015 to August 2021 and as the company’s executive chair from August 2021 to January 2023. Mr. Bonney previously served as the chair of the board of directors of Kaleido Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company, from June 2017 until August 2021. Between August 2018 and October 2020, he served as Kaleido’s Executive Chair, and served as Kaleido’s Chief Executive Officer from June 2017 until August 2018. Mr. Bonney was a Partner at Third Rock Ventures, a healthcare venture firm, from January to July 2016. Mr. Bonney previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or Cubist, a biopharmaceutical company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. (“Merck”)), from June 2003 until his retirement in December 2014, coinciding with Cubist’s acquisition by Merck for $9.5 billion. From 2016 to 2021, Mr. Bonney owned and managed a solo advisory practice where he advised first time CEOs. Mr. Bonney previously served as the Chair of the board of directors of Magenta Therapeutics, Inc. and as a director of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Celgene Corporation (which was acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb), Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc., X-Biotix Therapeutics, Inc., and Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Bonney holds a B.A. in economics from Bates College. We believe that Mr. Bonney is qualified to serve on our Board, and as Chair of the Board, due to his significant experience serving in executive and board leadership positions at a wide variety of biotechnology companies.
In connection with his appointment as a director, Mr. Bonney received an inaugural grant of options to purchase up to a total of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, effective May 16, 2026, which vest on a monthly basis over a three year period. The foregoing options have an exercise price per share equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market on May 15, 2026 (the “Award”). The Award is subject to the approval by the Company’s shareholders of an increase to the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Company’s 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. Mr. Bonney will also receive cash compensation for his service on the Board in accordance with the Company’s non-employee director compensation policy, as described in the Company’s most recent proxy statement, as may be adjusted from time to time as set forth in the Company’s filings and reports made with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
There is no relationship or agreement between Mr. Bonney and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed as a director of the Company and there is no family relationship between Mr. Bonney and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers. The Company is not aware of any transaction involving Mr. Bonney which would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Act, other than as set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company will enter into a customary indemnity agreement with Mr. Bonney, consistent with the form filed as Exhibit 10.7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Commission on March 31, 2025.
In connection with Mr. Bonney’s appointment as Chair of the Board, Simona Skerjanec, who has been serving as Interim Chairperson since February 2026, will transition from Interim Chairperson and continue to serve as a member of the Board. Additionally, in connection with Mr. Bonney's appointment, the size of Board was increased from nine to ten members.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On May 19, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment of Mr. Bonney as Chair of the Board. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. The information set forth in this Item 7.01 and in Exhibit 99.1 is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section. The information in this Item 7.01 and in Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
| Exhibit | Description |
| 99.1 | Press Release dated May 19, 2026. |
| 104 | Cover Page to this Current Report on Form 8-K in Inline XBRL. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: May 19, 2026 |
Immunic, Inc. | |
| By: | /s/ Daniel Vitt | |
| Daniel Vitt | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
Immunic Appoints Seasoned Biopharmaceutical Executive Michael W. Bonney as Chair of the Board of Directors
– More Than 30 Years of Leadership Experience Across Biopharmaceutical Commercialization –
– Played Key Role in the Launch and Commercial Success of Avonex® for Multiple Sclerosis –
NEW YORK, May 19, 2026 – Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX), a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases, today announced the appointment of Michael “Mike” W. Bonney, a highly experienced biopharmaceutical executive and board leader, as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective May 16, 2026. Simona Skerjanec, M.Pharm, MBA, will transition from Interim Chairperson to continue serving as a member of the Board.
Mr. Bonney brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including significant expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) and broader central nervous system markets. Notably, during his tenure at Biogen Inc., he held senior commercial leadership roles and was closely involved in the launch and growth of Avonex®, one of the first widely adopted therapies for relapsing forms of MS. This treatment helped to build one of the industry’s foundational neurology franchises.
After his time at Biogen, Mr. Bonney served as Chief Executive Officer of Cubist Pharmaceuticals, where, for more than 10 years, he led the company through a period of significant growth. Most notably, this included the successful commercialization of Cubicin®, an antibiotic medicine, and the company’s subsequent acquisition by Merck & Co. for approximately $9.5 billion. Earlier, Mr. Bonney spent over a decade at Zeneca Pharmaceuticals in a range of commercial, operating, and strategic roles, culminating as National Business Director. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Bonney has consistently supported companies advancing innovative therapies through late-stage development and commercialization.
Mr. Bonney has extensive board leadership experience across the biopharmaceutical sector. In addition to Immunic, he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Autolus Therapeutics plc, Dunad Therapeutics LTD and Santa Ana Bio, Inc. He has also served as Chair or Director of companies including Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Kaleido Biosciences, Inc., Magenta Therapeutics, Inc., Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. and Syros Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
“I would like to welcome Mike as Chair of the Board at what is, without question, a defining stage of growth for Immunic,” stated Ms. Skerjanec. “His extensive experience in biotech and achievements throughout his career as a CEO, chair and member of the board, as well as his MS experience in the launch and growth of Avonex® during his time at Biogen are all highly relevant as we advance vidofludimus calcium toward potential regulatory approval and commercial readiness.”
“I am excited to join Immunic at such a pivotal time, ahead of the readout of the phase 3 ENSURE trials of vidofludimus calcium in relapsing MS and the planned phase 3 development program in primary progressive MS,” stated Mr. Bonney. “Designed to combine neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, vidofludimus calcium offers a potential differentiated profile within the MS treatment landscape. I look forward to working closely with the entire Board and management team to support Immunic’s upcoming milestones and its broader regulatory and commercial strategy.”
“On behalf of the entire Immunic team, I would like to thank Simona for her strong leadership as Interim Chairperson and her continued role as a member of our Board, going forward,” added Daniel Vitt, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Immunic. “Mike’s proven abilities in executive leadership at Cubist, combined with his success in helping to make Avonex® a blockbuster therapy for MS, are attributes that will be invaluable to Immunic in the months and years to come. We look forward to leveraging all of Mike’s experience as we plan to transition toward becoming a fully integrated commercial-stage company.”
About Immunic, Inc.
Immunic, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMUX) is a late-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of novel oral therapies for neurologic diseases. The company’s lead development program, vidofludimus calcium (IMU-838), is currently in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis, for which top-line data is expected to be available by the end of 2026. It has already shown therapeutic activity in phase 2 clinical trials in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, progressive multiple sclerosis and other diseases. Vidofludimus calcium combines neuroprotective effects, through its mechanism as a first-in-class nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) activator, with additional anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects, by selectively inhibiting the enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH). The company’s development pipeline also includes earlier-stage programs, including IMU-856 and IMU-381, aimed at building a broader therapeutics platform addressing neurodegenerative, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune-related diseases. For further information, please visit: www.imux.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, future financial position, future revenue, projected expenses, sufficiency of cash and cash runway, expected timing, development and results of clinical trials, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Immunic's development programs and the targeted diseases; the potential for Immunic's development programs to safely and effectively target diseases; preclinical and clinical data for Immunic's development programs; the timing of current and future clinical trials, anticipated clinical milestones and regulatory approvals; the nature, strategy and focus of the company and further updates with respect thereto; the development and commercial potential of any product candidates of the company; expectations regarding the capitalization, resources and ownership structure of the company; changes to the leadership of the board of directors; new appointments to Immunic’s board of directors; and the executive and board structure of the company. Immunic may not actually achieve the plans, carry out the intentions or meet the expectations or projections disclosed in the forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, increasing inflation, tariffs and macroeconomics trends, impacts of the Ukraine – Russia conflict and the conflict in the Middle East on planned and ongoing clinical trials, risks and uncertainties associated with the ability to project future cash utilization and reserves needed for contingent future liabilities and business operations, the availability of sufficient financial and other resources to meet business objectives and operational requirements, and the ability to raise sufficient capital to continue as a going concern, the fact that the results of earlier preclinical studies and clinical trials may not be predictive of future clinical trial results, any changes to the size of the target markets for the company’s products or product candidates, the protection and market exclusivity provided by Immunic’s intellectual property, risks related to the drug development and the regulatory approval process and the impact of competitive products and technological changes. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in the section captioned “Risk Factors,” in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2026, and in the company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov or ir.imux.com/sec-filings. Any forward-looking statement made in this release speaks only as of the date of this release. Immunic disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. Immunic expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this press release.
Contact Information
Immunic, Inc.
Jessica Breu
Vice President Investor Relations and Communications
+49 89 2080 477 09
jessica.breu@imux.com
US IR Contact
Rx Communications Group
Paula Schwartz
+1 917 633 7790
immunic@rxir.com
US Media Contact
KCSA Strategic Communications
Caitlin Kasunich
+1 212 896 1241
ckasunich@kcsa.com