Percheron Therapeutics, previously known as Antisense, has appointed biotech executive Dr Michael Baker as its new chief executive officer and managing director, as current CEO Dr James Garner prepares to leave the role for an overseas opportunity.
Dr Baker will commence in October. Dr Garner will remain CEO and managing director until 31 August, before continuing on Percheron’s board as a non-executive director from 1 September to support the transition.
The leadership change comes as Percheron prepares to advance HMBD 002, its VISTA targeting checkpoint inhibitor, into a new clinical trial in the second half of 2026.
Percheron chair Dr Charmaine Gittleson said the board was pleased to have secured an executive with experience in drug development, public markets and biotechnology investment.
“We are grateful to James for his diligent stewardship of the Company during a transformative period in its history,” said Dr Gittleson. “We wish him well in his new role. The Board is delighted that Dr Michael Baker has agreed to assume leadership of the Company. Michael brings a wealth of drug development experience in a public company setting, and in particular was instrumental to the evolution of Arovella Therapeutics. He is a seasoned and well-respected leader in the sector, with experience as an executive and an investor. We are confident he will drive the Company forward into the next chapter of its development.”
Dr Baker most recently led Arovella Therapeutics, having joined the company, then known as SUDA Pharmaceuticals, in 2020 to oversee a strategic transformation. During his tenure, the company repositioned around cell therapy technologies and built an oncology pipeline aimed at blood cancers and solid tumours. Its lead program, ALA 101, received US FDA acceptance for an investigational new drug application in January 2026.
He previously held executive roles at Hexima and BioScience Managers, and was also a non-executive director of Radiopharm Theranostics between 2021 and 2024. Dr Baker holds a PhD in biochemistry from La Trobe University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School.
Dr Baker said Percheron had secured a promising Phase 2-ready asset and that his focus would be on HMBD 002’s clinical development, investor engagement and building on the company’s existing progress.
“I am delighted to join Percheron at this pivotal point in its corporate transformation. The team has done a fantastic job securing a unique phase II-ready checkpoint inhibitor. I have been deeply impressed by the quality of the work to date and clinicians’ enthusiasm for the program. My immediate priorities will be to drive the development of HMBD-002, engage actively with the investment community, and build on the excellent work completed to date. I look forward to working closely with the Board, clinicians, and Percheron’s shareholders to drive success for the business.”
Dr Garner, who has served as CEO and managing director since August 2023, said he planned to remain a significant shareholder and supporter of the company.
“It has been a privilege to be part of Percheron over the past three years, and I am tremendously grateful for the support I have received from the Board and the Company’s shareholders throughout my tenure. I remain excited about the Company’s future and intend to remain a significant shareholder and an enthusiastic champion. I am deeply gratified to pass the reins to an accomplished biotech leader of Michael’s calibre, and I wish him every success in his new role.”
