Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP, OTC PINK: HBPCF, FRANKFURT: HBP0) announced on September 28, 2026, the appointment of four new directors to its Board: Karen Krumeich, Jamieson Bondarenko, Charmaine Lykins, and Dirk Brockstedt, effective immediately. Ms. Krumeich will also serve as Chair of the Board and Audit Committee. In connection with the transition, Jacek Antas, Malgorzata Laube, and Jerzy Leszczynski have voluntarily resigned from the Board. The changes are part of a planned board renewal aimed at enhancing governance and bringing complementary expertise to the clinical-stage oncology company.
The new directors bring a diverse range of experience. Karen Krumeich is a life sciences financial executive with prior CFO roles at Kazia Therapeutics, TheraVectys, and Soligenix, and has direct experience with oncology programs. Jamieson Bondarenko, a Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Market Technician, is an active investor and capital markets executive who currently chairs BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. Charmaine Lykins, MBA, is a seasoned biopharmaceutical commercial leader with over 30 years of experience, including contributions to the commercialization of multiple first- and best-in-class therapies. Dirk Brockstedt, Ph.D., is a biotechnology executive and scientist with more than 25 years of experience in research and clinical development, previously serving as Chief Scientific Officer of RAPT Therapeutics.
“Together, these Board members bring an exceptional breadth of complementary expertise across biotechnology leadership, scientific and clinical development, capital markets, corporate governance, and commercialization,” said Thomas Mehrling, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Helix BioPharma. He added that their collective experience significantly strengthens the Board at an important stage in Helix’s evolution and will be invaluable as the company advances its oncology pipeline and executes strategic objectives.
Karen Krumeich, the new Chair, expressed her honor in joining Helix at this important stage, noting the Board’s complementary scientific, commercial, financial, and capital markets expertise. She looks forward to working with management as Helix advances its pipeline and executes on its strategic priorities.
The board changes matter because they signal a deliberate effort to bolster governance and expertise at a critical juncture for Helix. With a pipeline led by L-DOS47, a clinical-stage antibody-enzyme conjugate for non-small cell lung cancer, and additional candidates LEUMUNA™ and GEMCEDA™, the company requires strong strategic guidance to navigate clinical development and potential commercialization. The new directors’ experience in finance, capital markets, commercialization, and scientific development could enhance Helix’s ability to secure funding, forge partnerships, and ultimately deliver value to shareholders.
Following the changes, the Board comprises six directors, four of whom are independent. The Audit Committee has been reconstituted with independent directors Karen Krumeich as Chair, Zachary T. Stadnyk, and Jamieson Bondarenko. This governance structure aligns with best practices and may increase investor confidence. For more information, visit https://www.helixbiopharma.com/. The company’s public filings are available on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
