Ailux, an AI-native biotechnology firm focused on next-generation biologics, has announced the appointment of Professor Maria G. Belvisi as its new Chief Scientific Officer. This strategic hire brings a distinguished leader with over three decades of experience from both academia and the pharmaceutical industry to the company. Professor Belvisi, who previously served as a Senior Vice President at AstraZeneca, will report directly to Ailux CEO Alex Li and spearhead the company's research and development initiatives.
A Veteran Leader from AstraZeneca
Professor Belvisi's career is highlighted by nearly a decade at AstraZeneca, where she led the global Respiratory & Immunology R&D organization. In this capacity, she was accountable for a team of approximately 500 scientists located across the UK, Sweden, the US, and Spain. Her leadership was instrumental in building and advancing one of the industry's most productive and innovative early-stage research portfolios.
A key achievement during her tenure was championing the development of tozorakimab, a potential first-in-class IL-33 antibody for COPD. She guided the program from its early preclinical stages through to the Phase 3 investment decision. The antibody recently met its primary endpoints in major clinical trials, a result widely seen as a landmark advancement for patients suffering from the respiratory disease.
Bridging Industry and Academia
Alongside her extensive industry background, Professor Belvisi maintains a strong connection to academia as a professor at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London. Throughout her academic career, she has published over 250 peer-reviewed papers and mentored more than thirty PhD students. She also founded IR Pharma, a contract research organization that serves major pharmaceutical clients in the respiratory field.
In her new capacity at Ailux, she will leverage her deep expertise to establish and lead a new research site in the United Kingdom. This expansion will enhance the company's global presence by tapping into one of the world's premier hubs for biomedical innovation. Her distinguished career has earned her fellowships from several prestigious scientific societies and recognition as a leading woman in biopharma.
Vision for AI-Integrated Drug Discovery
Ailux CEO Alex Li expressed his confidence in the appointment, stating that Professor Belvisi is the ideal scientific leader for the company's current growth phase. He highlighted her proven ability to transform bold scientific concepts into tangible medicines that reach patients. Li emphasized that her experience in building and scaling programs will be central to Ailux's mission to develop transformative therapies.
Professor Belvisi shared her enthusiasm for joining the company, citing its genuine integration of artificial intelligence and biology as a primary motivator. She noted that Ailux treats AI as a foundational component of drug discovery rather than just a supplementary tool. She believes the company's platform and team provide a significant opportunity to originate novel, best-in-class medicines for patients in need.
Ailux's Strategic Ambitions
Headquartered in Shanghai, Ailux operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of XtalPi, a global leader in AI and robotics infrastructure for life sciences. The company combines its proprietary AI biologics platforms with a 30,000-square-foot wet lab and a global team of 150 professionals. Ailux has already established collaborations with industry giants such as Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and UCB.
With this new leadership, Ailux is poised to accelerate its internal pipeline development. The company is actively advancing its own programs with the ambitious goal of achieving its first clinical entry by 2027. The appointment of a seasoned executive like Professor Belvisi signals a clear intent to translate its AI-driven discoveries into clinical-stage assets and solidify its industry position.
The appointment of Professor Maria G. Belvisi marks a significant milestone for Ailux, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering AI-native drug discovery. Her extensive experience in both research and clinical development is expected to be a driving force in advancing the company's pipeline. This strategic move positions Ailux to realize its vision of delivering transformative biologic therapies to patients on a global scale.