BOSTON, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pyxis Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ:PYXS), a clinical-stage company developing next-generation therapeutics for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced a leadership transition to continue execution and advancement of the Company's strategic and clinical goals.Thomas Civik, a member of Pyxis Oncology's Board of Directors since the Company's IPO and a highly experienced biotechnology executive with a proven track record in advancing cancer therapeutics, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Lara S. Sullivan, M.D., has stepped down from her roles as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer.With Mr. Civik's appointment, Pyxis Oncology enters this transition with experienced leadership deeply familiar with the Company, its strategy, and its programs. The Company's established clinical development leadership team will continue to execute ongoing trials and operational priorities without interruption. In parallel, the Board of Directors has initiated a structured search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer."The Board has appointed Tom as Interim CEO to ensure strong leadership and continuity," said John Flavin, Chairman of the Board of Pyxis Oncology. "Tom brings decades of proven experience across oncology development, commercialization, and company building. As a long-term and current Director, he has a deep understanding of Pyxis Oncology's science and strategy, and we are confident in his ability to guide the organization forward while the Board conducts a comprehensive search for permanent leadership. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Lara for her commitment and contributions to Pyxis Oncology throughout a formative period for the Company, including advancing MICVO into the clinic and guiding the Company through a critical period of growth.""Serving as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Medical Officer of Pyxis Oncology has been a privilege," said Lara S. Sullivan, M.D. "I have had the honor to lead Pyxis Oncology over the last six years and am proud of the progress the team has made in advancing MICVO. I am confident in the leadership team's track record of expertise advancing later stage oncology assets and their ability to lead MICVO through its next stage of clinical development."Pyxis Oncology's lead program, micvotabart pelidotin (MICVO), continues to advance in a Phase 1 monotherapy study in second-line and later recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), as well as a Phase 1/2 study evaluating ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
