Belgian biotech firm Augustine Therapeutics has announced two key leadership hires, bolstering its executive team as it prepares to transition into a clinical-stage company. Virginie Cartage joins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Dr. Andy Hu as Chief Business Officer (CBO), adding significant depth in corporate finance, M&A, and business development to the company's leadership.
The appointments follow Augustine’s recent 78 million euros Series A financing round and come as the company advances its lead HDAC6 inhibitor program, AGT-100216, into clinical development for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Cartage brings over two decades of experience in finance and corporate strategy, most recently as CFO of Novadip, where she helped guide the company through late-stage clinical development. Her earlier roles at AbbVie, AstraZeneca, and Deloitte further reinforce her credentials in both operational finance and M&A readiness.
Dr. Hu, who previously advised Augustine, formalizes his role as CBO after holding senior corporate development positions at Arkuda Therapeutics (acquired by Johnson & Johnson), Dimension Therapeutics (acquired by Ultragenyx), and Cubist Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Merck). His background combines investment banking at Leerink Partners with executive biotech leadership, making him a strategic asset as Augustine navigates partnership and growth opportunities.
“These appointments align with our strategy to scale Augustine into a clinical-stage company with a robust pipeline”, says CEO Gerhard Koenig. “Virginie and Andy bring essential expertise in financial structuring, strategic partnerships, and value creation.”
Augustine's strengthened leadership team positions the company to attract potential strategic partnerships or exit opportunities as it develops its next-generation HDAC6 inhibitors targeting neuromuscular and cardio-metabolic diseases.
