Genflow Biosciences appoints Gad Berdugo as chairman, as shares jump and gene-therapy plans move into a new phase

Genflow Biosciences Plc (listed in London as LSE: GENF and in the US as OTCQB: GENFF) has announced a major boardroom change: Gad Berdugo has joined the company with immediate effect and will serve as Independent Non-Executive Chairman. The company says the appointment is designed to help accelerate corporate development and research progress as Genflow advances gene-therapy programs aimed at age-related diseases.

Market watchers quickly noticed the news. One report highlighted a sharp early move in the share price (around a 12.97% rise at the time of publication), showing that investors saw the leadership update as a positive signal—at least in the short term.

What Genflow announced (and what changed on the board)

Genflow stated that Gad Berdugo, MSc Eng., MBA, has joined the Board and will take the role of Independent Non-Executive Chairman. At the same time, the company emphasized continuity: Tamara Joseph will remain a Director, supporting governance stability while the chair position changes hands.

In plain terms, this means Genflow is pairing a “fresh set of hands” at the top of the board with an experienced director who already knows the company’s story, risks, and responsibilities. That combination can matter for a small biotech business where leadership credibility often affects fundraising, partnerships, and investor confidence.

Who is Gad Berdugo, and why his background matters

Genflow’s announcement describes Berdugo as a biotech leader with 30+ years of experience across global business development, corporate development, US capital markets, and building development-stage biotechnology companies.

His current role is also notable: he is the Managing Partner of Explorium Capital LLC, a US-based strategic and financial advisory firm focused on the global biotech sector.

Genflow also listed several positions from his career history, including leadership roles such as:

• Co-Founder & CEO, EpiVax Oncology

• Vice-Chairman of the Board, Evexta Bio

• Chief Business Officer, Editas Medicine (NASDAQ: EDIT)

• Chief Business Officer, Nutcracker Therapeutics

The Editas link, in particular, may stand out to investors because it is a well-known name in the broader gene-editing ecosystem. When a smaller company brings in a chair with that type of network, it can sometimes help in deal-making conversations—whether that’s licensing, co-development, research alliances, or future fundraising.

The RNA-LNP angle: why Genflow highlighted it

Genflow did not just highlight Berdugo’s business background. It also pointed to his experience in RNA-based therapeutics, including lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery, plus development and manufacturing knowledge. Genflow said this can support the company as it advances its scientific platform, evaluates delivery technologies, and explores next-generation approaches.

Why does this matter? In gene therapy, it’s not only about the target gene. It’s also about how the therapy is delivered, how consistently it reaches the right tissues, and how it can be manufactured at a quality level that regulators accept. Even if Genflow’s current lead approach is not identical to mRNA vaccines, the industry has learned a lot from LNP systems and broader RNA delivery work. A chairman who “speaks both languages”—science and capital markets—can help the company explain its platform clearly to partners and investors.

What Genflow is working on: a quick, clear snapshot

Genflow is a biotechnology company founded in 2020, headquartered in the UK, with R&D facilities in Belgium. The company’s focus is gene therapies aimed at decelerating the aging process, with the broader goal of promoting longer and healthier lives.

One of Genflow’s most discussed programs is its lead candidate GF-1002, which the company describes as delivering a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene.

Reporting around the announcement also noted a 12-month proof-of-concept clinical trial in aged dogs that began in March 2025, evaluating the SIRT6-centenarian gene therapy approach.

Additionally, one report said Genflow is planning a clinical trial to explore potential benefits of GF-1002 in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver disease area where better treatments are widely needed.

Why the market reacted: “leadership signal” plus “timing signal”

Leadership news can move a biotech share price because it often changes expectations about execution. In this case, Genflow framed the appointment as a step to “accelerate” both corporate and R&D expansion, which can be interpreted as a push toward faster progress and stronger external engagement.

Timing also plays a role. In the company’s statement, Berdugo referenced key data readouts expected in 2026, along with strengthened intellectual property and a sharpened focus on high-potential programs.

When investors hear “key data in 2026,” they often start mapping a calendar in their heads. Even if exact dates are not provided, the idea of upcoming results can increase attention, trading activity, and speculation—sometimes pushing the price up, sometimes down, depending on sentiment.

What Genflow’s CEO and the new chairman said

Genflow’s CEO, Dr Eric Leire, said Berdugo’s expertise in strategy, partnerships, financing, and RNA-LNP technologies will be important as Genflow accelerates its programs and expands global reach, while also emphasizing that Tamara Joseph will continue contributing legal and governance expertise.

Berdugo said he is excited to join as Genflow moves into a new phase, again pointing to data expected in 2026 and a sharpened strategic focus, and said he looks forward to working with the team to deliver long-term value for shareholders and patients.

What “Independent Non-Executive Chairman” means (simple explanation)

The title can sound complicated, but it’s fairly straightforward:

• Chairman leads the board. The board helps oversee strategy, risk, governance, and leadership accountability.

• Non-executive means the chair is not running day-to-day operations (that’s the CEO’s job).

• Independent generally means the chair is not part of management and is expected to make decisions without conflicts tied to employment or close business relationships.

For investors, an independent chair can be seen as a sign of stronger governance—especially in smaller companies where oversight and strategic discipline matter.

What this could mean for funding, partnerships, and US visibility

Genflow explicitly noted that Berdugo’s appointment strengthens its presence in the United States and expands capacity for global engagement.

That statement is important because many biotech funding sources, strategic partners, and specialist investors are US-based. A chair with deep experience in US capital markets and biotech deal-making may help Genflow:

• Improve fundraising narratives by clearly explaining milestones, timelines, and how capital will be used.

• Open doors to strategic partners who might support development, manufacturing, or commercialization pathways.

• Strengthen credibility during negotiations where counterparties want proof the company can execute and govern itself well.

Of course, leadership alone does not guarantee better financing terms or better partnerships. But it can reduce friction and speed up conversations—especially for a business aiming to grow beyond early-stage science.

Important detail investors noticed: share ownership disclosure

Genflow stated that Berdugo does not own any shares in the Company at the time of the announcement.

This detail can be interpreted in different ways. Some investors prefer leaders to have “skin in the game,” while others see neutrality as a sign of independence. Over time, share-based incentives or purchases could change that picture, but the announcement itself clearly disclosed the starting point.

Risks and reality checks: what readers should keep in mind

It’s easy for exciting science and upbeat leadership news to create a wave of optimism. Still, biotechnology—especially gene therapy—comes with real uncertainties. Here are practical risk areas to keep in mind:

• Clinical uncertainty: Promising early signals do not always translate into strong outcomes later, and timelines can shift.

• Regulatory complexity: Gene therapies can face strict safety and manufacturing requirements.

• Funding needs: Early-stage companies often require repeated funding rounds to reach major milestones.

• Market volatility: Small-cap biotech shares can move sharply on news, sentiment, and liquidity.

In other words: leadership changes can be meaningful, but scientific and clinical results still tend to be the biggest long-term drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What exactly did Genflow announce?

Genflow announced that Gad Berdugo joined the Board and became Independent Non-Executive Chairman with immediate effect, while Tamara Joseph remains a Director to provide continuity.

2) Why did Genflow choose Gad Berdugo?

The company highlighted his 30+ years of experience in biotech business development, capital markets, and company building, plus specific expertise in RNA-based therapeutics and LNP delivery.

3) Did Genflow’s share price react to the news?

Yes. One report showed the stock up about 12.97% at the time, suggesting a strong immediate market reaction.

4) What is Genflow’s lead program?

Genflow points to GF-1002, which delivers a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene.

5) What milestones are expected next?

In the announcement, Berdugo referenced key data readouts expected in 2026. Independent reporting also discussed Genflow’s ongoing 12-month proof-of-concept study in aged dogs and planning for a potential MASH trial.

6) Where can I read an official version of the announcement?

You can review the official company announcement via a regulatory news service publication (for example, the Investegate posting). Read the regulatory announcement here.

Conclusion: a governance shift aimed at scaling the story

Genflow’s appointment of Gad Berdugo as Independent Non-Executive Chairman is more than a routine board update. The company is signaling that it wants to strengthen strategy, financing readiness, and global reach—especially in the US—while it advances gene-therapy programs focused on age-related disease areas and looks ahead to meaningful milestones in 2026.

For investors, the short-term market reaction suggests enthusiasm. For the long term, the key question remains the same: can the science translate into strong, repeatable outcomes and a credible path to commercialization? The new chairman’s mix of biotech leadership and market experience may help shape that journey—but the upcoming data will likely speak loudest.

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