New Noxopharm CEO has her eyes firmly set on the future

Leadership & Management: Newly appointed CEO of Noxopharm, an Australian clinical-stage drug development company, and past President of the Australian Pharmaceutical medical and scientific Professionals Association (APPA), Dr Gisela Mautner, joins Health Industry Hub in revealing the company’s next stage of transformation and the opportunities she looks forward to in leading the organisation.

Dr Mautner said “When we look at our preclinical assets, our pipeline has grown significantly and our preclinical team has identified a number of molecules that we are investigating for applications in oncology, chronic inflammation, and we have even one line of investigation towards an application in vaccine technology. For a young company like us, I really think we are punching above our weight.”

She added “Australian investors are very clued in when it comes to understanding [sectors such as] mining companies, but they haven’t had much exposure to the biotech field. As the pool of drug development companies in Australia is relatively small, it can be difficult for Australian investors to appreciate the long lead times that are required before return investment may be seen. I think that’s one major challenge.”

As a member of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s (AICD) and in embracing the 40:40:20 model of board gender diversity, Dr Mautner also discussed her passion in supporting the growth of women in to senior leadership positions, including boards.