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Burkhard Blank
Oryon Cell Therapies (“Oryon”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing autologous neuron replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, has appointed Burkhard Blank, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
Dr. Blank is an experienced biopharmaceutical leader with extensive expertise in clinical development, regulatory strategy, medical affairs, and pharmaceutical operations across multiple therapeutic areas, including neurology. Throughout his career, he has led global development programs from early research through regulatory approval, contributing to eight NDA and corresponding MAA submissions, all of which resulted in market approvals.
Prior to joining Oryon, Dr. Blank served as CMO and Head of R&D at MannKind Corporation, where he led clinical development, regulatory, and biometrics functions. He previously held the position of CMO at Acorda Therapeutics, overseeing the global Phase 3 program and the U.S. and European approvals of INBRIJA® for Parkinson’s disease.
Earlier in his career, he held senior executive roles at Boehringer Ingelheim, including Chief Medical Officer of Boehringer Ingelheim USA, where he managed multiple international development programs and supported key regulatory approvals, including Mirapex® for Parkinson’s disease.
Oryon’s lead program is currently being evaluated in an ongoing Phase 1/2a clinical trial of autologous dopaminergic neuron replacement therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Interim data presented at the AD/PD™ 2026 International Conference showed improvements in motor function, along with neuroimaging findings consistent with restoration of dopaminergic signaling.
