Oxford’s SpyBiotech welcomes new CFO

SpyBiotech, an Oxford firm whose novel vaccine platform technology targets infectious diseases, cancer and chronic diseases, has appointed Keith Dewedoff as chief financial officer (CFO).

Keith brings more than 20 years of experience in the life science industry, from biotech venture-backed startups to commercial publicly traded companies.

He also serves as CFO and adviser for Danforth Advisors, an advisory firm focused on providing financial strategy to life science organisations.

Keith was previously CFO of Ceptur Therapeutics and more than 10 other privately held and public companies at various life cycle stages.

His responsibilities have included managing finance, accounting, corporate development and other corporate operational functions.

Prior to Danforth, Keith was CFO of Kaizen Bioscience, where he still presides as chair of the board – and also serves as a venture partner at an early-stage incubator focused on infectious diseases.

“I’m proud to join the SpyBiotech team as the company continues to expand,” said Keith.

CEO Mark Leuchtenberger added: “Given the recently announced research collaboration with the University of Oxford and SpyBiotech’s Phase I trial of its HCMV vaccine, this is a really exciting time to join the company.

“Keith is an excellent addition to our leadership team. His depth of expertise in financial strategy and corporate development will serve SpyBiotech well as we continue to build our organization and progress our scientific pipeline.

“We look forward to this new chapter of advancement with our lead candidate in the clinic and our EBV-focused collaboration with the University of Oxford.”

SpyBiotech’s SPYVLP platform is based on a proprietary protein ‘superglue’ technology which binds antigens to vaccine delivery platforms, minimising delivery risk and enhancing immunogenicity and efficacy.

The company raised $32.5 million in a Series A equity financing round in 2021.