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Kazia Therapeutics Strengthens Scientific Leadership with Appointment of Dr. Sudha Rao as Chief Scientific Officer to Lead Next-Generation Oncology Platform

  • Kazia Therapeutics (NASDAQ: KZIA) appointed Dr. Sudha Rao as Chief Scientific Officer on April 15, 2026.
  • Dr. Rao serves as the scientific originator of the epigenetic framework for paxalisib & a pioneer in next-generation platforms including PD-L1 degradation & SETDB1-targeted chromatin modulation.
  • She brings over 20 years of experience spanning pharmaceutical R&D, biotechnology, & early clinical development, currently leading the Gene Regulation and Translational Medicine Laboratory at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
  • Her prior roles include senior scientific positions at Sanofi/Rhône-Poulenc & founding & former CSO roles at EpiAxis Therapeutics.
  • Dr. Rao is the lead inventor on 39 international patents & has authored publications in journals such as Science, Nature, & Immunity.
  • She will lead all research & development activities to advance Kazia's pipeline & expand its next-generation platform capabilities.
  • Key programs under her leadership include paxalisib (a brain-penetrant dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor), NDL2 (a novel PD-L1 protein degrader), & MSETC (a first-in-class SETDB1-targeted program).
  • Dr. Rao's work establishes the concept that PI3K/mTOR inhibition drives epigenetic reprogramming, forming the foundation of Kazia's strategy.
  • CEO Dr. John Friend stated Dr. Rao is the architect of Kazia's platform & her appointment strengthens execution of an integrated, platform-driven oncology strategy.
  • Dr. Rao aims to integrate spatial & liquid epigenomics with AI-driven drug discovery to accelerate novel therapies & enable precision targeting.
  • Kazia's lead program paxalisib is currently in various clinical trials for glioblastoma, advanced breast cancer, & brain metastases, with prior FDA designations including Orphan Drug & Fast Track status.
  • The company is also developing EVT801, a VEGFR3 inhibitor licensed from Evotec SE, & advancing the preclinical NDL2 program.
  • The press release includes standard forward-looking statements regarding future plans, potential risks, & regulatory uncertainties.