Recludix Pharma Expands Executive Team To Drive Growth, Innovation, And Scientific Advancements

Recludix Pharma, a clinical-stage company focused on discovering and developing inhibitors for challenging targets in inflammatory diseases, announced the promotions of Ajay Nirula, M.D., Ph.D., to president and head of research and development, and Catherine Bovenizer, C.P.A., to chief financial officer. Nancy Whiting, Pharm.D., president and chief executive officer of Recludix, noted that the company has already achieved several transformative milestones early in the year. These include the dosing of its oral STAT6 inhibitor, REX-8756, in its first clinical study, receipt of the associated milestone payment, bolstering of the company’s cash position through financing with institutional and strategic investors, and expansion of its Scientific Advisory Board with prominent experts. She emphasized that both Dr. Nirula and Ms. Bovenizer have played instrumental roles in these achievements. According to Dr. Whiting, Dr. Nirula’s leadership and vision in research and development have been key to advancing Recludix’s innovation strategy, while Ms. Bovenizer’s financial guidance has helped position the company for ongoing growth. She expressed enthusiasm for their expanded roles, highlighting the opportunities ahead to continue transforming patient outcomes. Dr. Nirula said he is honored to assume the role of president during such a pivotal time in the company’s growth. He emphasized that Recludix has a world-class team and a unique opportunity not only to advance its lead STAT6 and BTK inhibitor programs but also to explore additional targets where the company’s platform and expertise can deliver meaningful patient impact. He expressed commitment to working across the organization to translate innovation into leading therapies. Ms. Bovenizer commented that Recludix has built a strong foundation for success, with a well-capitalized structure and a portfolio that includes both partnered programs—with options for U.S. profit sharing—and fully owned opportunities providing strategic flexibility. Having led the company’s finance operations since its founding, she looks forward to supporting initiatives that accelerate growth while ensuring disciplined execution. Dr. Nirula brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Before joining Recludix, he served as senior vice president and immunology therapeutic head at Eli Lilly and Company, where he oversaw discovery research and early- to mid-phase clinical development. He also led Lilly’s Biotechnology Center in San Diego and contributed to the company’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting emergency authorization for multiple therapeutic antibodies. Earlier in his career, Dr. Nirula held leadership positions at Amgen, Biogen Idec, and Merck, contributing to research and clinical development in diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and vasculitis. He earned a molecular biology degree from U.C. Berkeley, an M.D. from UCLA School of Medicine, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He completed a fellowship in rheumatology at UCSF Medical Center and has published extensively in leading scientific journals. Dr. Nirula also serves on several boards and advisory committees in the biotech and immunology fields. Ms. Bovenizer has more than 25 years of finance and accounting leadership experience in both private and public biotechnology companies. Prior to Recludix, she served as CFO of Renova Therapeutics and held executive finance roles at Apricus Biosciences and Ambit Biosciences, where she guided the company through its IPO and subsequent acquisition. She began her career as a public accountant with Coopers & Lybrand and is a Certified Public Accountant in California. Ms. Bovenizer graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Economics, Accounting, and Literature from Claremont McKenna College and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.