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# Kivu Bioscience

## Sitemaps

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## Pages

- [Kivu Bioscience](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/) - At Kivu Bioscience, we leverage advanced, next-generation proprietary ADC technologies to deliver more precise and effective cancer treatments.
- [Contact](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/contact/) - Contact Us 2929 Campus Drive, Suite 420San Mateo CA 94403 Name Company Email Subject Message Send This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

## News

- [Kivu Bioscience unveils preclinical data on KIVU-107](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-unveils-preclinical-data-on-kivu-107/) - Kivu Bioscience Inc. has released new preclinical efficacy and safety data on KIVU-107, a novel PTK7-targeting antibody-drug conjugate with a DAR4 exatecan payload. KIVU-107 is designed to be highly stable in circulation with negligible free payload release, maximizing on-tumor activity while minimizing off-target toxicity.
- [Kivu and Menarini against the odds](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-and-menarini-against-the-odds/) - The latest to enter the fray, according to first-in-human study initiations on the clinicaltrials.gov registry, is the private California-based biotech Kivu Bioscience, with a project coded KIVU-107.
- [Kivu Bioscience Appoints Brunilda Shtylla Chief Business Officer](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-appoints-brunilda-shtylla-chief-business-officer/) - Kivu Bioscience is naming Brunilda Shtylla Chief Business Officer, with Shtylla assuming the same role she held at Sutro Biopharma. Shtylla is tasked with leading corporate strategy, business development, and partnership initiatives as Kivu advances its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline.
- [The New Path to ADCs](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/the-new-path-to-adcs/) - Mohit Trikha, President and COO at Kivu Bioscience, emphasized that the industry must look beyond just new mechanisms of action and focus heavily on new mechanisms of tolerability.
- [Can Organoids and Human-Based Models Improve Drug DevelopmentPredictability?](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/can-organoids-and-human-based-models-improve-drug-developmentpredictability/) - At the BIO International Convention 2026, oncology drug development expert Mohit Trikha, PhD, CEO, Kivu Bioscience, discusses the promise and limitations of organoids and other human-based preclinical models, emphasizing the need for stronger validation, cross-functional collaboration, and early regulatory engagement to improve clinical trial success rates.
- [How To Shine As Biotech Comes Back From the Brink](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/how-to-shine-as-biotech-comes-back-from-the-brink/) - Mohit (Mo) Trikha is the CEO of Kivu Bioscience. He brings over 25 years of drug development expertise inoncology. He has been instrumental in advancing more than 40 programs from target identification to clinical trials in oncology.
- [Safety Is The Mantra In Kivu Bioscience's ADC Trials For Solid Tumors](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/safety-is-the-mantra-in-kivu-biosciences-adc-trials-for-solid-tumors/) - A conversation between Kivu Bioscience CEO Mo Trikha and Clinical Leader Executive Editor Abby Proch In acrowded antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) landscape, differentiation hinges on improving the fundamentalrisk–benefit equation.
- [Facing pressure from China, BioSpace’s NextGen biotech leaders say: ‘Bring it on’](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/facing-pressure-from-china-biospaces-nextgen-biotech-leaders-say-bring-it-on/) - Kivu is one of BioSpace’s 2026 NextGen class of up-and-coming young biotechs.
- [Can ADCs be kinder and gentler? Join BioSpace at BIO to find out](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/can-adcs-be-kinder-and-gentler-join-biospace-at-bio-to-find-out/)
- [Human-Based Preclinical Models May Improve Toxicity Prediction in Oncology Development](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/human-based-preclinical-models-may-improve-toxicity-prediction-in-oncology-development/) - At BIO International Convention 2026, Mohit Trikha, PhD, CEO of Kiva Bioscience, discussed why emerging human-based preclinical models may have their greatest impact in predicting drug toxicity and tolerability rather than replacing animal testing outright.
- [BIO 2026: Kivu Bioscience exited stealth late last year to develop "kinder and gentler" antibody-drug conjugates with a lower antibody to payload ratio to improve precision and tolerability](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/bio-2026-kivu-bioscience-exited-stealth-late-last-year-to-develop-kinder-and-gentler-antibody-drug-conjugates-with-a-lower-antibody-to-payload-ratio-to-improve-precision-and-tolerability/)
- [Kivu Bioscience Appoints Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-appoints-mohit-trikha-ph-d-as-chief-executive-officer/) - Proven oncology leader to advance next-generation ADC pipeline and drive clinical milestones SAN MATEO, CA - Kivu Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Trikha, who previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer, assumes the
- [Kivu Bioscience to Present Preclinical Data on Next-Generation ADC Programs at AACR Annual Meeting 2026](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-to-present-preclinical-data-on-next-generation-adc-programs-at-aacr-annual-meeting-2026/) - - Clinical-stage PTK7 ADC KIVU-107 shows strong preclinical anti-tumor activity, favorable pharmacokinetics and improved tolerability - Next-generation CEACAM5 ADC KIVU-305 demonstrates potent preclinical activity and enhanced stability across colorectal and other solid tumor models SAN MATEO, CA — April 15, 2026 - Kivu Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to
- [Kivu Bioscience Appoints Brunilda Shtylla as Chief Business Officer](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-appoints-brunilda-shtylla-as-chief-business-officer/) - Seasoned biopharma executive brings more than 25 years of business development and strategic partnership experience to support Kivu's next phase of growth SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kivu Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Brunilda Shtylla, as Chief Business Officer. Ms. Shtylla will lead corporate
- [Kivu Bioscience Presents KIVU-305 Preclinical Data at World ADC London 2026 and Advances into Phase 1 Clinical Trial](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-presents-kivu-305-preclinical-data-at-world-adc-london-2026-and-advances-into-phase-1-clinical-trial/) - -Receives Australian HREC Approval and CTN Clearance for First-in-Human Study SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kivu Bioscience, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the presentation of new preclinical data for KIVU-305, its CEACAM5-targeted ADC, at World ADC London 2026. Kivu also announced another significant milestone with receipt of
- [Kivu Bioscience Appoints Julie Hambleton, M.D., to its Board of Directors](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-appoints-julie-hambleton-m-d-to-its-board-of-directors/) - SAN MATEO, Calif. - Kivu Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Julie Hambleton, M.D., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Hambleton is a highly experienced biotechnology executive with more than 25 years of leadership across clinical development, regulatory strategy, and company building, spanning
- [Kivu Bioscience Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 1 Trial of KIVU-107 Next-Generation PTK7-Targeting ADC for Advanced Solid Tumors](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-announces-first-patient-dosed-in-phase-1-trial-of-kivu-107-next-generation-ptk7-targeting-adc-for-advanced-solid-tumors/) - SAN MATEO, CA – January 12, 2026 – Kivu Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 1 clinical trial of KIVU-107, a next-generation PTK7-targeting ADC for patients with advanced solid tumors. “Dosing the first patient with KIVU-107
- [Kivu Bioscience Appoints Sophia Randolph, M.D., Chief Medical Officer](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-appoints-sophia-randolph-m-d-chief-medical-officer/) - Seasoned oncology leader with two decades of experience in global oncology clinical drug development joins to advance Kivu’s next-generation ADC pipeline Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Kivu Bioscience SAN MATEO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kivu Bioscience, a biotechnology company advancing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for difficult-to-treat cancers, today announced the appointment of Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D.,
- [Kivu Bioscience Presents Preclinical Data for KIVU-107 Demonstrating Potent and Durable Anti-Tumor Activity and a Wide Therapeutic Index at World ADC San Diego 2025](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-presents-preclinical-data-for-kivu-107-demonstrating-potent-and-durable-anti-tumor-activity-and-a-wide-therapeutic-index-at-world-adc-san-diego-2025/) - KIVU-107 is the first PTK7-targeting ADC with a DAR4 exatecan payload, engineered for exceptional stability and highly selective on-tumor delivery. Preclinical data demonstrate deeper and durable anti-tumor activity across multiple xenograft models, with a wide therapeutic index and well-tolerated profile in repeat-dose GLP studies. Kivu to initiate a Phase 1 clinical study of KIVU-107 this
- [Kivu Bioscience Selects Sterling Pharma Solutions for cGMP Manufacturing of Lead Oncology Antibody-Drug Conjugate KIVU-107](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-selects-sterling-pharma-solutions-for-cgmp-manufacturing-of-lead-oncology-antibody-drug-conjugate-kivu-107/) - SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kivu Bioscience, a biotech company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates, announced today a manufacturing partnership with Sterling Pharma Solutions, a global contract development and manufacturing organisation, to produce cGMP-quality material for Phase 1 clinical trials of its lead oncology antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate, KIVU-107. Under the agreement, Sterling will manufacture cGMP clinical material for KIVU-107
- [Synaffix, industry's ADC partner of choice, spins out a startup pipeline](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/synaffix-industrys-adc-partner-of-choice-spins-out-a-startup-pipeline/) - "The Dutch biotech Synaf­fix has long been one of the top part­ners for bio­phar­ma com­pa­nies work­ing in an­ti­body-drug con­ju­gates. Now the com­pa­ny is spin­ning out …" Kyle LaHucik, Endpoints News
- [Backed by Novo, Kivu debuts with $92M to build 'kinder, gentler' medicines](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/backed-by-novo-kivu-debuts-with-92m-to-build-kinder-gentler-medicines/) - "Kivu's two-part goal is simple: achieve the highest ADC concentration possible within the tumour microenvironment, while minimising dose reductions and treatment interruptions." Elizabeth S. Eaton, FirstWord Pharma
- [With $92M, Kivu sets out to make ‘kinder, gentler’ ADCs](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/with-92m-kivu-sets-out-to-make-kinder-gentler-adcs/) - "The startup, which is backed by Novo Holdings and a handful of other venture firms, is the latest to capitalize on interest in the targeted cancer drugs." Gwendolyn Wu, Biopharma Dive
- [Kivu Bioscience Raises $92 Million Series A Led by Novo Holdings to Advance Next-Generation Antibody-Drug Conjugates](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/news/kivu-bioscience-raises-92-million-series-a-led-by-novo-holdings-to-advance-next-generation-antibody-drug-conjugates/) - Funding to support clinical development of multiple antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs Utilizing the Synaffix platform designed to minimize off-target toxicity and improve efficacy World-class team with decades of ADC drug development experience led by Mohit Trikha, PhD, well positioned to reach significant inflection points San Francisco, CA – October 28, 2024 – Kivu Bioscience, a

## Team Members

- [Max Klement, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/max-klement-phd/) - Dr. Max Klement is a Principal at Novo Holdings who has more than 10 years of experience working in biotechnology and life science venture investments. Most recently, he was Principal at BioGeneration Ventures, a European life science venture capital firm with more than €250 million under management. Prior to that, Max was part of the
- [Mohit Trikha, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/mohit-trikha-phd/) - Dr. Mohit (Mo) Trikha is the CEO of Kivu Bioscience. He brings over 25 years of drug development expertise in oncology. He has been instrumental in advancing more than 40 programs from target identification to clinical trials in oncology. Previously, Mo was a venture partner at Apple Tree Partners, and also led oncology early development
- [Jennifer Cochran, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/jennifer-cochran-phd/) - Jennifer Cochran, PhD is a Founder and Chief Scientific Advisor at Red Tree Venture Capital, a West Coast-centric, early stage-biased investment fund focused on therapeutics for unmet needs in the areas of oncology, neurology, and immunology. Dr. Cochran is the Senior Associate Vice Provost of Research and the Addie and Al Macovski Professor of Bioengineering
- [Michaël Vlemmix](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/michael-vlemmix/) - Michaël Vlemmix is a Partner at Gimv’s Life Sciences platform. Starting his career in 2012 at a medical device start-up, he turned to investment banking in 2016 as a Biotech/Healthcare equity research analyst at KBC Securities. Here Michaël worked on IPOs and other transactions related to the biotechnology and healthcare market. Michaël’s venture capital work
- [Julie Hambleton, M.D.](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/julie-hambleton-m-d/) - Dr. Julie Hambleton is a highly experienced biotechnology executive with more than 25 years of leadership across clinical development, regulatory strategy, and company building, spanning preclinical research through Phase 4 studies, product approvals, and post-marketing activities. She brings deep expertise in oncology drug development, capital markets, and governance, having served in senior executive and board
- [Bauke Anninga, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/bauke-anninga-phd/) - Bauke Anninga, PhD, joined M Ventures in 2019 and is currently an Investment Director in the Biotechnology team. In this capacity he is a board member of Enara Bio, NanoSyrinx, Nucleome Therapeutics, Outrun Therapeutics, Pictor Labs and Rewind Therapeutics and formerly of Synaffix (until acquisition by Lonza). In this capacity he is a board member
- [Mårten Steen, MD, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/marten-steen-md-phd/) - Mårten Steen, MD, PhD, is a Managing Partner of HealthCap. He has extensive board experience from the life science sector including Ultragenyx, Ferrokin (acquired by Shire), Wilson Therapeutics (acquired by Alexion), Strongbridge (acquired by Xeris), Adcendo and Hemab. Mårten earned an MD and PhD in Clinical Chemistry from Lund University, Sweden, and has previously worked
- [Edward van Wezel](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/edward-van-wezel/) - Edward is Managing Partner and co-founder of BGV. Edward gained industry experience in product development and corporate licensing at Chiron and Johnson & Johnson. Since 2000 he expanded his experience as CEO of several life sciences companies. He currently serves on the supervisory boards of Azafaros, Scenic Biotech, Confo Therapeutics and TigaTx. He previously served
- [Wafa QuliKhan, MBBS](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/wafa-qulikhan-mbbs/) - Dr. Wafa QuliKhan serves as Associate Director of Clinical Operations at Kivu Bioscience. She brings more than eight years of experience across clinical operations and research and development, spanning academic, site, and industry settings. Her work has supported programs that integrate scientific rigor with high-quality patient care across global clinical environments. Dr. QuliKhan has led
- [Anderson Chang, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/anderson-chang-phd/) - Dr. Anderson Chang brings over six years of drug development experience focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). At AbbVie, he led multiple preclinical ADC programs featuring novel targets, payloads, and antibody formats. Anderson has strong expertise in cancer biology, target validation, and biomarker strategy to support preclinical discovery, IND-enabling studies and early clinical development. He played
- [Tessie Ng, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/tessie-ng-phd/) - With over a decade of experience in oncology drug discovery and development, Dr. Tessie Ng brings strategic scientific leadership across the entire preclinical development spectrum. She has successfully advanced programs from discovery through development candidate selection and into the IND-enabling and first-in-human clinical stages, leading teams to execute on preclinical strategies spanning pharmacology and toxicology
- [Xiaoyue Jiang, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/xiaoyue-jiang-phd/) - Dr. Xiaoyue Jiang is the Director of Analytical Development and Quality Control at Kivu Bioscience, with 14 years of experience in the biotechnology industry. She brings deep expertise in analytical method development, release and stability testing, and product characterization across a variety of biologic modalities. Dr. Jiang has supported both early and late-stage programs, applying
- [Natasja Viller, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/natasja-viller-phd/) - Natasja Viller has 13 years of drug development experience with a focus on advancing therapies from pre-clinical to clinical proof-of-concept. She excels in strategic planning and bridging drug discovery with translational studies, and her expertise spans due diligence, defining development roadmaps, and building high-performing teams. Natasja’s medical affairs experience provides a unique perspective on drug
- [Sy-Dang Tran, MBA](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/sy-dang-tran-mba/) - Sy-Dang Tran brings 20 years of leadership experience in Financial Planning and Operations in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries. His background in finance spans the entire R&D lifecycle, from discovery through development to commercialization and launch-readiness, and includes internal research and development, licensing and strategic partnerships. He excels at driving strong finance operations, serving
- [Minke Binnerts, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/minke-binnerts-phd/) - Dr. Minke Binnerts serves as Vice President of Project Leadership and Management at Kivu Bioscience, bringing over 25 years of experience in early and late-stage drug development. She has advanced small molecule and biologic oncology programs from discovery through IND submission, Phase 1 trials, and clinical proof of concept. Most recently, she was a Program
- [Liangyi Zhang, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/liangyi-zhang-phd/) - Liangyi Zhang is a seasoned leader with 15 years of experience in the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) of biologics, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and CAR-T cell therapies. He brings a strong background in both technical and organizational leadership, with a proven track record in analytical development and pharmaceutical development. Liangyi has demonstrated exceptional leadership in
- [Ann MacLaren, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/ann-maclaren-phd/) - Dr. Ann MacLaren has over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, with significant expertise in pharmacology, IND enabling safety evaluations, development of PK, PD and predictive biomarker strategies for early clinical development, and preparation of regulatory documents (pre-IND, IND and EOP1). Her therapeutic modality experience has focused primarily on biologics and includes peptides,
- [Gavin Choy, PharmD, MBA](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/gavin-choy-pharmd-mba/) - Dr. Gavin Choy serves as Executive Vice President of Clinical Development Operations at Kivu Bioscience. He has successfully led early to late-stage clinical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas, including infectious disease, hematology/oncology, immuno-oncology, and oncolytic vaccines. He also brings 18 years of bedside clinical practice in geriatrics, hematology/oncology, and bone marrow transplantation from institutions
- [Sophia Randolph, MD, PhD](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/sophia-randolph-m-d-ph-d/) - Sophia Randolph, M.D., Ph.D., is Chief Medical Officer. As a medical oncologist, Dr. Randolph brings over 20 years of experience in oncology drug development advancing novel therapeutics from preclinical through late-stage settings. Prior to joining Kivu Bioscience, Dr. Randolph served as Chief Medical Officer at ALX Oncology, where she built and led a cross functional
- [Brunilda Shtylla](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/team-member/brunilda-shtylla/) - Brunilda Shtylla is Chief Business Officer of Kivu Bioscience, where she leads corporate strategy, business development, and partnership initiatives as the company advances its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline through clinical development and expands its strategic collaborations. Ms. Shtylla brings more than 25 years of cross-functional experience spanning biotechnology, medical devices, finance, and strategic transactions. Most

## Targets

- [PTK7](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/target/ptk7/)
- [Undisclosed](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/target/undisclosed/)
- [CEACAM5](https://dev-kivu-bio.pantheonsite.io/target/ceacam5/)