Aravax has appointed two senior industry figures to its board as the company prepares for later-stage development of its peanut allergy candidate PVX108.

The clinical-stage biotech said Carsten Hellmann and Andrew Oxtoby bring experience in allergy therapeutics and commercialisation as it moves toward Phase 3 and awaits Phase 2 data for its lead programme.

The appointments link directly to Aravax’s focus on food allergy, a growing area of unmet need with limited disease-modifying treatment options. PVX108 is designed as an immunotherapy targeting the underlying immune response to allergens rather than managing symptoms alone.

Pascal Hickey said: “I am excited to announce Andrew and Carsten joining our Board to support our next phase of growth. They bring proven track records in both the U.S. and Europe with the development and commercialisation of allergy medications.”

Oxtoby previously worked on the development and launch of Palforzia, the first approved treatment for peanut allergy, giving Aravax commercial insight in a market with relatively few approved therapies. His experience spans product launches and scaling commercial operations across the US and Europe, which may become relevant if PVX108 progresses successfully through late-stage trials.

Hellmann brings experience from allergy immunotherapy and broader pharmaceutical leadership, including senior roles in global organisations. His background is expected to support Aravax’s transition from clinical development toward potential commercial readiness.

Carsten Hellmann said: “The development and commercialisation of new treatments for food allergy is challenging. To be successful, new products must not only demonstrate efficacy but truly meet the needs of patients and their families, physicians and healthcare systems.”

Aravax’s strategy centres on developing next-generation immunotherapies that aim to retrain the immune system. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on avoidance or desensitisation, these therapies are intended to modify disease progression over time.

Andrew Oxtoby said: “Despite advances in the pharmaceutical treatment of food allergy, it remains a rapidly growing problem worldwide with major health, social and economic impacts.”

He added: “I believe Aravax’s innovative approach, which involves retraining the immune system to see food as safe, has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to addressing this significant health need.”

The board appointments come as Aravax positions itself for the next phase of development, with PVX108 expected to play a central role in its pipeline. While the therapy remains in clinical testing, the addition of executives with experience in both late-stage development and commercial strategy suggests the company is planning ahead for potential regulatory and market milestones.

Food allergy continues to attract industry attention, particularly in peanut allergy where treatment options remain limited. If successful in late-stage trials, PVX108 could enter a market that is still evolving following the introduction of the first approved therapies.