PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Context Therapeutics, a biotechnology company dedicated to creating new medicines for Sigma1-related diseases, today announced that Erard Gilles, M.D., M.Sc., has joined the Company as chief medical officer. In his new position, Dr. Gilles will oversee clinical development and lead Context Therapeutics’ clinical trial strategy.

“We are excited to welcome Erard to Context as chief medical officer,” said Martin Lehr, chief executive officer. “His extraordinary medical and scientific expertise and strong relationships in the oncology community, both within the US and Europe, will be invaluable as Context pursues its mission to change the world for patients with advanced cancer through bold and innovative science.”

“Dr. Gilles brings a unique perspective and set of skills to Context as he is not only a preeminent clinician, but he also is an expert in biostatistics and biomarker development. I am confident his leadership will enable Context to be the first company to clinically validate Sigma1 inhibitors for treatment-resistant solid tumors,” said Mr. Lehr.

Most recently, Dr. Gilles was founder and Chief Medical Officer of Invivis Pharmaceuticals, where he developed an anti-progestin therapy and biomarker that was subsequently licensed by Arno Therapeutics and tested in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

“Context is a great innovator in Sigma1 biology and therapeutics, and the Company is emblematic of the science-driven, precision medicine approach that will bring about much-needed therapies for cancer patients,” said Dr. Gilles. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Context’s clinical programs at such a pivotal time for the Company.”

Dr. Gilles has over 30 years of clinical oncology experience. Previously, Dr. Gilles held roles of increasing responsibility at Johnson & Johnson, Genta, Aventis, and Roche. From 1994-2000, Erard was Head of R&D, Medical Affairs and Marketing in Europe for Pharmacia and from 1987-1991, he was an Assistant Professor of Oncology at the Institut Gustave Roussy Cancer Center.

Dr. Gilles holds an M.D. from Paris V Necker Enfants Malades and a Diplomate in Clinical Oncology from Institut Gustave Roussy. In addition, Erard holds multiple Masters degrees in Pharmacology, Biostatistics, and Business from University of Parix XI and ESSEC Business School.

About Sigma1 Inhibition

Context is advancing a novel path to treating diseases by targeting Sigma1, a key transporter of client proteins that drive cellular proliferation and immune system regulation. Context has built a robust product engine to explore client protein transport differences between normal and diseased cells. This engine has enabled the company to discover proprietary, first-in-class, orally bioavailable small molecules for advanced prostate cancer – our Lead Indication. Follow-on programs include fibrosis and neurodegenerative disease. Context’s programs are focused on genetically identified patient populations, allowing for a “precision medicine” approach, in which medicines are tested early among the patients who are most likely to respond.

About Context Therapeutics

Context Therapeutics is a private, Philadelphia, PA-based biotechnology company dedicated to creating new medicines to treat Sigma1-associated diseases. The company leverages breakthrough science on the biochemistry of Sigma1 protein, the role of Sigma1 in regulating client protein homeostasis, and the role of Sigma1 in disease to develop novel drugs targeting Sigma1. Context Therapeutics was founded by Dr. Felix Kim of Drexel University College of Medicine and Martin Lehr. Context’s investors include the National Cancer Institute and leading family offices. For more information on Context, visit www.contexttherapeutics.com.