Pheon Therapeutics, a clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) specialist, has appointed Samuel Blackman, MD, as an independent, non-executive director to its board.

Dr Blackman is an entrepreneur-in-residence at Google Ventures and a former founder and head of R&D at Day One Biopharmaceuticals. His experience spans senior roles at Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Mavupharma, Silverback Therapeutics, and Seattle Genetics. He brings expertise across oncology drug development, including small molecules, ADCs, CAR-T cells, and immuno-oncology agents, and has led proof-of-biology studies, biomarker programmes, and early clinical-stage decision-making.

Cyrus Mozayeni, MD, chief executive officer at Pheon, said: “Sam brings deep expertise in oncology drug development to the board as we head into our next exciting chapter as a clinical-stage company. With a proven track record of innovation across industry and clinical research, Sam will be an invaluable addition to our team.”

Pheon is advancing clinical ADC programmes targeting a novel, first-in-class target with high expression in multiple solid tumours and low expression in healthy tissue. Dr Blackman’s appointment supports strategic guidance as the company progresses its lead candidate through Phase 1 trials and prepares additional programmes for difficult-to-treat solid tumours.

Dr Blackman commented: “Pheon is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ADC science, and this deeply resonates with my approach to innovation. I am honored to join at this critical inflection point and look forward to supporting the team as it advances its programmes through the clinic.”

Clinically trained in pediatric hematology/oncology with a subspecialty in pediatric neuro-oncology, Dr Blackman also serves on the boards of Bonum Therapeutics, The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and Presage Biosciences, Inc. Outside medicine, he is an accomplished storyteller, having performed multiple solo shows and won two GrandSLAMs at The Moth.