Bicara Therapeutics has appointed its chief operating officer, Ryan Cohlhepp, as its next chief executive, capping a broader executive reshuffle.
Cohlhepp will succeed Claire Mazumdar as head of the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, effective Jan. 1.
The move is part of what the company calls a planned evolution in leadership. Mazumdar will serve as vice chair of the board and as strategic advisor to ensure a seamless transition as Bicara positions itself for a new period of growth, the company said.
With Cohlhepp moving to the CEO position, Bicara's chief development officer, Tanya Green, has been appointed to the role of COO.
Additionally, Jenn Larson has been appointed chief financial officer. Bicara said she brings decades of experience in roles of increasing strategic and operational responsibility at publicly traded commercial-stage biotech companies.
Bicara is preparing to potentially launch its head and neck cancer drug, ficerafusp alfa, as a treatment for advanced cases that haven't responded to earlier therapies. The company said initial results from a key late-stage trial are expected in mid-2027.
"This transition marks a natural evolution for Bicara as we maintain strong enrollment momentum that enables a clear line of sight to a topline interim analysis which we believe will lead to an accelerated approval and subsequent launch of ficerafusp alfa in head and neck cancer," Outgoing Chief Executive Mazumdar said.