Valion Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ:VBIO) has outlined the experience and priorities of Thomas H. Jensen, who has served as chair of the company’s Board since September 2026. Jensen, who is also CEO and a director of Allarity Therapeutics, is working with Valion’s management and Board on the development of Entolimod, an investigational treatment being evaluated as a potential medical countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome.
#Focus on Entolimod development
Entolimod is a Toll-like receptor 5 agonist designed to activate NF-κB signalling linked to cellular protection, tissue recovery and immune response. Valion is developing the candidate for acute radiation syndrome, including gastrointestinal complications.
According to Valion, Entolimod’s development has received approximately $35.6 million in non-dilutive funding from several U.S. government agencies. The programme also has FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for acute radiation syndrome, alongside human safety data.
Valion said Entolimod has been assessed in animal models under the FDA’s Animal Rule. That regulatory pathway allows the agency to consider animal efficacy data where human trials are not ethical or feasible, including circumstances involving acute radiation exposure.
#Manufacturing and supply-chain support
The company said it maintains supply-chain control through its wholly owned U.S.-based subsidiary, Velocity Bioworks. The subsidiary operates as a biologics contract development and manufacturing organisation supporting Valion’s internal pipeline.
Valion’s stated objectives for Velocity Bioworks include increasing manufacturing control, reducing costs, accelerating development timelines and strengthening domestic supply-chain security.
#Jensen’s biotechnology background
Jensen brings more than 20 years of biotechnology and oncology experience. At Allarity Therapeutics, he led changes that simplified the company’s capital structure, streamlined its organisation and concentrated resources on stenoparib, its lead candidate.
During his time as Allarity’s CEO, the company advanced a Phase 2 ovarian cancer programme, obtained FDA Fast Track designation for stenoparib, strengthened its intellectual property position and secured drug supply for later-stage development.
Jensen co-founded Allarity Therapeutics in 2004 and has been a director there since July 2022. His previous positions at the company included chief technology officer, senior vice president of information technology and senior vice president of investor relations.
#Potential cancer supportive-care application
Jensen said he sees a longer-term opportunity to explore whether Entolimod could address needs in cancer supportive care, drawing on his background in oncology diagnostics and drug development. This remains an area for exploration rather than a stated approved use.
Valion is also developing Entolasta, described by the company as a next-generation TLR5 agonist intended for potential broader applications, including oncology supportive care. Its pipeline also includes potential programmes in neutropenia and immune dysfunction.
#Management and execution plans
Jensen is working with Interim CEO Dean Zikria, President, COO and CFO Lisa Wolf, and the Board to align Valion’s priorities with execution. He said the company’s work would involve setting a sequence of achievable milestones and allocating resources in a disciplined manner.
Valion said that, to its knowledge, no FDA-approved treatment exists for gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome. The company’s statements about Entolimod’s future applications and development remain subject to risks and uncertainties.
#Risks and forward-looking statements
Valion said forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions and estimates that may not prove accurate. The company cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those statements.
Among the risks identified by Valion are the continued listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market and its ability to remain compliant with applicable Nasdaq listing standards. The company said further risks and uncertainties are described in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
#Key Takeaways
- Thomas H. Jensen has served as chair of Valion Bio’s Board since September 2026.
- Entolimod is an investigational TLR5 agonist being developed as a potential medical countermeasure for acute radiation syndrome.
- The programme has received approximately $35.6 million in non-dilutive funding and holds FDA Fast Track and Orphan Drug designations for acute radiation syndrome.
- Valion says Entolimod is supported by human safety data and manufacturing capabilities through wholly owned subsidiary Velocity Bioworks.
- Jensen said the company may explore Entolimod’s potential role in cancer supportive care, while Valion continues to identify risks and uncertainties around its forward-looking statements.
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