Ajax Therapeutics Welcomes David Waller, PhD, as Senior VP

Ajax Therapeutics, Inc. has appointed David Waller, PhD, as the new Senior Vice President and Head of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC). This announcement was made on August 19, 2025, as the biopharmaceutical company continues to develop innovative Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors aimed at treating patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Dr. Waller brings over 13 years of experience in small molecule drug development, having held key leadership roles at MOMA Therapeutics, EQRx, Sage Therapeutics, and Cubist Pharmaceuticals.

In his new role, Dr. Waller will oversee the CMC operations critical to advancing Ajax’s drug candidates. Ajax Therapeutics is particularly focused on its lead first-in-class type II JAK2 inhibitor, AJ1-11095, which is currently undergoing a Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with myelofibrosis who are resistant or refractory to type I JAK2 inhibitors. Martin Vogelbaum, CEO of Ajax Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Waller’s appointment, stating that his extensive CMC experience aligns well with the company’s clinical strategy.

Dr. Waller commented on his new position, stating, “I’m excited to join Ajax as the company prepares to transition from dose escalation to the dose expansion phase of its Phase 1 study. I look forward to working closely with the company’s clinical team to ensure that CMC activities continue to support the treatment needs of patients on study.” His previous role at MOMA Therapeutics included responsibilities for all nonclinical and CMC activities for the company’s small molecule portfolio, which successfully advanced two development candidates to clinical stages.

Prior to his tenure at MOMA, Dr. Waller served as Senior Director and Head of Small Molecule CMC at EQRx, where he led comprehensive CMC activities from preclinical development through to commercialization. He has also contributed to drug development at Sage Therapeutics, focusing on the late-phase drug substance process for Zurzuvae®. His early career included roles in chemical process development at both Enanta Pharmaceuticals and Cubist Pharmaceuticals.

AJ1-11095 has been engineered using advanced structure-based drug design and computational methods to selectively target the type II conformation of the JAK2 kinase. This strategic design aims to provide enhanced efficacy and disease modification compared to currently approved JAK2 inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, which bind to the type I conformation. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that AJ1-11095 can reverse marrow fibrosis, reduce mutant allele burden, and maintain efficacy against myeloproliferative neoplasm cells that exhibit resistance to chronic Type I JAK2 inhibition.

Further details regarding the Phase 1 study of AJ1-11095 can be accessed at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Ajax Therapeutics is committed to developing uniquely selective therapies for myeloproliferative neoplasms, including myelofibrosis. The company combines insights from cancer and structural biology with leading computational drug discovery techniques to create precisely designed therapies that target significant unmet medical needs. More information about their initiatives can be found at www.ajaxtherapeutics.com.