enGene Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: ENGN), a clinical-stage genetic medicines company with its lead non-viral program EG-70 undergoing pivotal trials for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), announced the election of Paul Hastings and Wouter Joustra to its Board of Directors at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders. Shareholders also reelected incumbent director Lota Zoth. Each director will serve a three-year term expiring at the 2027 annual meeting. The Board now includes seven members: Richard Glickman (Chairman), Gerald Brunk, Jasper Bos, and Jason Hanson.
“We are pleased to welcome Paul and Wouter to our Board of Directors. Their extensive biopharma industry experience in research, corporate management, and finance makes them valuable additions to enGene as we expand our pipeline and prepare for our planned BLA filing for EG-70 in early 2026,” said Jason Hanson, CEO of enGene.
Paul Hastings added, “enGene’s non-viral DDX platform has significant potential to realize the Company’s vision of mainstreaming genetic medicines. EG-70’s user-friendly design suits community urologists treating NMIBC patients. I look forward to contributing to the Company’s success.”
Wouter Joustra stated, “I’m thrilled to join enGene’s Board. There is a significant unmet need in NMIBC, and EG-70’s profile positions it as a potential first-choice intravesical therapy for urology clinics. The Company has an exciting strategic plan, including interim data from its Phase 2 Legend study and expanding EG-70 into new indications.”
Paul Hastings is President, CEO, and board member of Nkarta, Inc. (NASDAQ: NKTX) since February 2018. He previously held CEO roles at OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, QLT, Inc., Axys Pharmaceuticals, and LXR Biotechnology. Hastings has also held leadership positions at Chiron Biopharmaceuticals and Genzyme Corporation. He currently serves as Chair of Pacira Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCRX) and is a past Chair of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO). He holds a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island.
Wouter Joustra is a General Partner at Forbion, overseeing deal origination, portfolio management, and divestment strategies, particularly for Forbion’s Growth Opportunities Funds. Before joining Forbion, Joustra was a Senior Trader and Executive Board member at Kempen. He has served on the boards of Gyroscope Therapeutics, VectivBio, Aiolos Bio, and Forbion European Acquisition Corporation. He currently serves on the board of VectorY Therapeutics and is a board observer at NewAmsterdam Pharma N.V. (NASDAQ: NAMS). Joustra holds an M.Sc. in Business Administration and a B.Sc. in International Business and Management from the University of Groningen.
