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Keren Leshem
ViVac Pharma Ltd., a synthetic biology company developing RNA–Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) immunotherapies, has appointed Keren Leshem as Chief Executive Officer.
The appointment strengthens ViVac’s leadership as the company advances a new generation of programmable cancer immunotherapies built on RNA and nanotechnology.
Ms. Leshem is a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer CEO and has been recognized by Forbes and Entrepreneur as one of the most influential leaders in innovation. She brings nearly 30 years of experience leading clinical-stage life science companies and translating breakthrough scientific research into commercially viable healthcare solutions. Under her leadership, ViVac aims to accelerate the development of its oncology-focused pipeline and expand its global footprint.
ViVac’s platform originates from the reengineering of viruses - nature’s most powerful immune activators - into a safe, self-limiting RNA blueprint. By applying viral logic at the RNA level, the company has created a novel immunotherapy approach that combines the potency of viral activation with the safety and precision of RNA-based design. This technology is being applied to oncology, positioning ViVac to address tumors that are resistant to conventional treatments.
Under Ms. Leshem’s leadership, ViVac will advance its preclinical oncology programs targeting liver, ovarian, and other solid tumors with high unmet medical need. She will work closely with the company’s scientific leadership team, which includes Dr. Lior Nissim, a pioneer in synthetic gene circuits for cancer targeting; Prof. Chezy Barenholz, co-inventor of Doxil® and a global leader in liposome and nanomedicine research; and Dr. Ron Lahav, Chief Technology Officer and expert in RNA delivery systems.
ViVac is supported by experienced life science investors with deep expertise in biotech innovation, mergers and acquisitions, and global commercialization. As the global cancer immunotherapy market continues to expand, ViVac’s modular RNA–LNP platform is designed for scalability across multiple tumor types, supporting long-term growth and broad clinical impact.
