Biond Biologics Appoints Giovanni Selvaggi, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer (“CMO”)
Biond Biologics Ltd. announced on June 22, 2026, the appointment of Giovanni Selvaggi, M.D., as the company’s new Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Selvaggi, a board-certified pulmonologist and thoracic oncology specialist, joins the Misgav, Israel-based firm to oversee the clinical development of its immunotherapy pipeline, including the BND-22 and BND-67 programs.
Background and Professional Experience
Dr. Selvaggi brings over 30 years of experience in oncology and drug development to the role. According to the company, he has previously held senior leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he contributed to the regulatory filing of nivolumab for small cell lung cancer. His career also includes development roles at Novartis Oncology, GlaxoSmithKline, Oncolytics Biotech, and Imugene.
Most recently, Dr. Selvaggi served as Chief Medical Officer at Xcovery Holdings. In that capacity, he managed the clinical development and regulatory strategy for ensartinib, a process that included global Phase 3 clinical trials and engagement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Did You Know? Dr. Selvaggi spent more than a decade treating patients and conducting clinical research specifically in lung cancer and mesothelioma at the University of Turin and San Luigi Hospital in Italy before transitioning to full-time pharmaceutical development.
Clinical Pipeline Development
Biond currently maintains two primary clinical-stage immunotherapy programs. BND-22, an antibody targeting the ILT2 receptor, is currently in Phase 2 studies for the treatment of solid tumors. The company reports that the therapy functions by blocking the interaction between ILT2 and HLA-G, aiming to enhance the anti-tumor activity of both innate and adaptive immune cells.
The second program, BND-67, is a first-in-class asset designed to target CD28 shedding. Biond describes this as a novel immune evasion mechanism. The company plans to initiate a Phase 1, first-in-human study for BND-67 in the second quarter of 2026. This treatment intends to restore physiological CD28 signaling to enhance effector T-cell activity while inhibiting regulatory T-cell function.
Expert Insight: The appointment of an executive with experience in both early-stage research and global regulatory submissions, such as those required by the FDA, suggests that Biond is prioritizing the transition of its pipeline from experimental phases toward potential commercial registration. Leveraging a background in thoracic oncology may also provide the company with specific clinical advantages as they advance their current immunotherapies for solid tumors.
What May Happen Next
With Dr. Selvaggi’s arrival, the company could accelerate the clinical strategy for its existing pipeline. The immediate focus for the team is likely the scheduled Phase 1 trial for BND-67, which is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026. Future progress for both BND-22 and BND-67 may depend on how these programs perform in their respective clinical trials and how effectively the company maneuvers through subsequent regulatory pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of BND-22?
BND-22 is a first-in-class antibody that acts as a multi-cell checkpoint inhibitor targeting the ILT2 receptor to treat solid tumors.
When is the BND-67 Phase 1 trial expected to begin?
The company has scheduled the first-in-human Phase 1 study for BND-67 to commence in the second quarter of 2026.
What is Dr. Selvaggi’s background in regulatory affairs?
Dr. Selvaggi has led clinical programs from early-stage research through regulatory submissions, including his work at Xcovery Holdings on the global Phase 3 program for ensartinib and his contributions to the regulatory filing of nivolumab at Bristol Myers Squibb.
How will the integration of new clinical leadership impact the timeline for Biond’s ongoing immunotherapy trials?