Altimmune to Expand Board Effective November 2
The Morristown-based firm is adding two new directors to support its transition to a late-stage clinical company.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Altimmune will appoint Peter Greenleaf and Alex Howarth to its board of directors on November 2, 2026. The appointments are part of a board succession plan designed to support the development of the company's pemvidutide liver franchise.
Why it matters
By refreshing its leadership, the company aims to bolster the governance required for its transition into a late-stage clinical organization. This move follows the advancement of pemvidutide trials and the firm's recent relocation to Morristown.
Alex Howarth joins the board with a track record that includes 30 completed licensing and M&A transactions. These additions support a portfolio that recently gained FDA Fast Track designations for pemvidutide in MASH and AUD treatments.
The players
Peter Greenleaf
He is the current Chairman of Pelthos Therapeutics.
Alex Howarth
He is the former Chief Financial Officer for Madrigal Pharmaceuticals.
Altimmune
This is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing treatments for liver and metabolic diseases.
The details
The board transition will see John M. Gill, Mitchel Sayare, and Klaus O. Schafer retire at the 2027 Annual Meeting. The company also recently moved its corporate headquarters to 350 Mount Kemble Avenue in Morristown to align its operational structure with its clinical growth.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: The company officially moved its corporate address to Morristown.
November 2, 2026: Peter Greenleaf and Alex Howarth will join the board of directors.
2027 Annual Meeting: John M. Gill, Mitchel Sayare, and Klaus O. Schafer will conclude their board service.
Market Landscape
The company's board expansion follows the recent receipt of FDA Fast Track designations for its lead candidate, which provides a pathway for accelerated regulatory review. This governance shift positions the firm to navigate the competitive and regulatory hurdles common in the transition to late-stage clinical trials.
This leadership transition signals a commitment to the long-term clinical development of the company's drug pipeline. Investors and stakeholders should anticipate a greater focus on governance as the firm attempts to move its lead program through Phase 3 development.
The takeaway
Board successions are a standard operational milestone for biotech companies moving from early research to late-stage development. Shareholders generally view such transitions as a move to bring in experienced executives capable of managing large-scale clinical trials and regulatory approval processes.
What happens next
John M. Gill, Mitchel Sayare, and Klaus O. Schafer will officially retire from the board at the 2027 Annual Meeting.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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