Sesen Bio (NASDAQ: SESN) Expands Management Team Ahead of Potential Vicineum Approval

Sesen Bio (NASDAQ: SESN) is expanding its leadership team as it gears for its transformation into a commercial-phase business with the appointment of Amy Ponpipom as VP, Assistant General Counsel. 

Sesen Bio appoints Ponpipom to navigate commercialization of Vicineum

The BLA for the company’s flagship program, Vicineum for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treatment, is currently undergoing Priority Review by the  US FDA with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target date of August 18, 2021.

CEO and President Thomas Cannell said, “I am delighted to have Amy join the team here at Sesen Bio. Her strong industry experience and deep expertise in commercialization activities will be invaluable as we continue to work toward our PDUFA date and the potential launch of Vicineum in the US. I am confident that Amy’s knowledge and skills will enable us to execute a world-class launch in order to fulfill our mission to save and improve the lives of patients.”

Sesen Bio grants Ponpipom statutory stock options

Ponpipom has over 17 years of experience in pharmaceuticals, having been an in-house counsel for several companies for over 12 years. She provided legal counsel in compliance, regulatory strategy, market strategy, product labeling, and patient support program. She recently led the products development strategy and marketing at AstraZeneca, where she deepened her healthcare understanding and relevant laws. 

The company has granted Ponpipom and one other company employee statutory stock options. Under the grants, they can purchase around 256,000 Sesen Bio common shares upon vesting within ten years. Notably, the stock options will vest over four years, and one-quarter of the shares can be vested at the first anniversary. The additional underlying shares will vest at the end of each subsequent quarter following the first anniversary of the date of issuance, subject to the employee’s continuous service with Sesen Bio in each case.