iQure Pharma Appoints Former UCB Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development, Prof. Iris Loew-Friedrich, MD, as Clinical and R&D Advisor

PRINCETON, N.J., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iQure Pharma, a clinical-stage biotech company breaking the cycle of excitotoxicity by restoring glutamate balance to treat CNS disorders, today announced the appointment of Prof. Dr. Iris Loew-Friedrich as Clinical and R&D Advisor.

Iris brings over 30 years of global leadership in clinical development, regulatory strategy, and pharmaceutical R&D execution. From 2008 to 2024, she served as Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Head of Development at UCB, where she led global clinical programs in CNS, immunology, and rare diseases. Her leadership contributed to the approvals of bimekizumab (Bimzelx^®), rozanolixizumab (Rystiggo^®), zilucoplan (Zilbrysq^®), brivaracetam (Briviact^®), and romosozumab (Evenity^®), with regulatory success across the U.S., EU, and international markets. She chaired UCB's Benefit-Risk Board and held global responsibility for Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Safety/Pharmacovigilance, Real World Evidence, Biometrics, and Medical Affairs.

Prior to UCB's acquisition of Schwarz Pharma in 2007, Iris formed and led Schwarz's integrated global development organization. Under her leadership, Schwarz advanced lacosamide (Vimpat^®), rotigotine (Neupro^®), and fesoterodine (Toviaz^®), including through strategic partnerships with Pfizer and Otsuka. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles at BASF Pharma, Aventis, and Hoechst Marion Roussel, where she directed global programs including adalimumab (Humira^®), leflunomide (Arava^®), and risedronate (Actonel^®), and served as key presenter to the FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee for Arava.

A trained physician with board certification in internal medicine, Iris holds a PhD in cell biology and began her career as a physician-scientist and Associate Professor at the University Hospital Frankfurt.

"We're excited to welcome Iris to the iQure team," said Pawel Zolnierczyk, CEO of iQure Pharma. "She brings hands-on leadership in clinical development, shaped by decades of experience advancing programs through global approval. Having her guidance significantly strengthens our ability to shape a development plan that aligns with our ambitions to grow."

About iQure Pharma

iQure is a clinical-stage biotech company advancing a new therapeutic approach for CNS disorders by restoring glutamate homeostasis.

Our science targets one of the core functions of astrocytes: the regulation of glutamate uptake, essential for maintaining synaptic balance and protecting neurons from overstimulation. By enhancing the function of the main transporter involved in this process, we break the cycle of excitotoxicity, a feedback loop that drives neuronal damage and disease progression across a broad range of CNS conditions.

Our lead asset, iQ-007, is a first-in-class, orally available small molecule that enhances the activity of the main glutamate transporter. Currently in Phase 1 clinical development for treatment-resistant epilepsy, iQ-007 provides the first clinical validation of our approach. Beyond epilepsy, we are advancing additional preclinical programs targeting neurodegeneration and pain. For more information visit www.iqurepharma.com.

Media Contact

Clara Assouline
Business Development, iQure Pharma
[email protected]
www.iqurepharma.com

SOURCE iQure Pharma Inc.