Immunic Names Erik Lundgren CEO Amid Significant Advances in MS Therapy Development

Immunic Inc. (IMUX) has secured Erik Lundgren as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 22, 2026, marking a significant transition for the biotechnology company focused on innovative oral therapies for neurologic diseases. Lundgren's extensive experience, particularly his role in launching Ocrevus®, a prominent multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, positions him strategically to lead Immunic during a pivotal phase in its clinical development. As he steps into this leadership role, Lundgren’s initiation comes at a crucial time as the company seeks to advance its candidate, vidofludimus calcium, through its late-stage clinical trials, particularly targeting relapsing MS (RMS) and preparing for an initiative geared toward primary progressive MS (PPMS). Michael W. Bonney, Chair of Immunic's Board, highlights the importance of Lundgren’s expertise in guiding the company towards its ambitious goals, including an anticipated outcome from the phase 3 RMS trial by the end of the year, alongside preparations for a new drug application filing and potential commercialization.

A New Vision for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Lundgren expresses enthusiasm about joining Immunic, recognizing both the progress made in MS therapies over the past decade and the continuing unmet needs regarding treatments that effectively slow disability progression. He emphasizes vidofludimus calcium’s unique capacity to simultaneously target immunological and neuroprotective pathways, alongside its favorable safety profile, which positions Immunic advantageously within the competitive MS treatment landscape. His vision includes delivering groundbreaking treatment options that address the nuances of MS, aligning with the company's transition toward being a commercial-stage entity.

Commitment to Advancing Research and Patient Outcomes

As Immunic prepares for pivotal events in its drug development pipeline, the level of commitment demonstrated by Lundgren reflects the company’s strategy to not only innovate but also ensure that its initiatives align closely with the needs of MS patients. The leadership shift underscores Immunic's dedication to addressing the complexities of neurologic diseases and advancing patient outcomes, a timely and critical focus as the demand for effective therapies continues to grow.

Positive Data from Calliper Trial

In addition to the leadership announcement, Immunic recently shared positive data from its phase 2 CALLIPER trial, presenting findings at the 2026 Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) Annual Meeting. The trial data indicates a strong safety and tolerability profile for vidofludimus calcium in patients with progressive MS. The innovative statistical methods for assessing Confirmed Disability Change (CDC) used in this research facilitate a more nuanced understanding of disability changes among patients, which adds to the viability of further development of this therapeutic option. Chief Medical Officer Michael A. Panzara noted that these findings, particularly those reflecting improvements in patient mood and treatment satisfaction, underline Immunic's commitment to delivering meaningful advances in MS treatments.