Dr. Dugan brings extensive clinical development leadership to Whitehawk as ADC programs near the clinic
MORRISTOWN, N.J., Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: WHWK), an oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved antibody drug conjugate (ADC) cancer treatments, today announced the appointment of Margaret Dugan, MD, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Dugan brings more than 30 years of global oncology drug development experience, with extensive expertise in early-stage clinical development and regulatory strategy.
"I'm delighted to welcome Margaret to Whitehawk. Her strategic insight and deep early-development expertise strengthen our ability to design efficient, signal-rich clinical studies and rapidly translate our ADC portfolio into potentially impactful therapies for patients," said Dave Lennon, PhD, President and CEO of Whitehawk Therapeutics.
Dr. Dugan joins Whitehawk following more than three decades of oncology drug development leadership roles, with deep expertise in early-stage development. She has overseen more than 12 Phase 1 programs and was responsible for numerous regulatory approvals, including capmatinib, ceritinib, letrozole, temozolomide and photodynamic therapy in a variety of cancers. Dr. Dugan spent more than 15 years at Novartis, where she built and led the early development organization, advanced multiple programs from proof-of-concept to full clinical development and directly supported global regulatory approvals. She subsequently served as CMO at Dracen Pharmaceuticals, where she advanced the company's first clinical program through Phase 1 and secured Fast Track designation. Dr. Dugan later served as CMO at Schrödinger, where she built the clinical function, delivered three Phase 1 assets into the clinic and advanced a program to Phase 2 readiness in less than 18 months. Dr. Dugan began her career as a medical oncologist and investigator before transitioning into industry leadership roles that bridged translational science with late-stage execution.
"I'm excited to join Whitehawk during this important time in the company as we seek to move into clinical development," said Dr. Dugan, CMO of Whitehawk Therapeutics. "Whitehawk's approach combines smart target selection with a differentiated ADC profile, creating a compelling opportunity to deliver on the promise of next-generation ADC therapies. I'm looking forward to joining this talented team as we advance our portfolio with the aim of having a meaningful impact for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers."
About Whitehawk Therapeutics
Whitehawk Therapeutics is an oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumor biology to efficiently deliver improved cancer treatments. Whitehawk's advanced three-asset ADC portfolio is engineered to overcome the limitations of first-generation predecessors to deliver a meaningful impact for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. These assets are in-licensed from WuXi Biologics under an exclusive development and global commercialization agreement. More information on the Company is available at www.whitehawktx.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the business of Whitehawk Therapeutics that are not a description of historical facts within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs and expectations and may include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the potential therapeutic value and market opportunity for the Company's ADC portfolio; the anticipated timing of the Company's development of its portfolio of ADC assets, including moving the ADC assets into the clinic; expectations regarding the beneficial characteristics, safety, efficacy, therapeutic effects and the size of the potential targeted markets with respect to the Company's ADC assets; and the sufficiency of the Company's existing capital resources and the expected timeframe to fund the Company's future operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, uncertainties associated with preclinical and clinical development of the ADC portfolio, including potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical trials; failure to demonstrate the efficacy of the ADC portfolio in preclinical and clinical studies; the risk that unforeseen adverse reactions or side effects may occur in the course of testing of the ADC assets; and risks related to the Company's estimates regarding future expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing.
Additional risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements are included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, including under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Whitehawk's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and elsewhere in Whitehawk's reports and other documents that Whitehawk has filed, or will file, with the SEC from time to time and available at www.sec.gov.
All forward-looking statements in this press release are current only as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable law, Whitehawk undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
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SOURCE Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc.
