Artiva Biotherapeutics Inc. (ARTV) appointed Diego Miralles, M.D., as president and head of research and development, the San Diego-based biotechnology company announced.
Miralles brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He previously served as chief executive officer of Laronde Inc. and Vividion Therapeutics. Earlier in his career at Johnson & Johnson, he led development of antiviral medicines including PREZISTA and INTELENCE.
"Diego combines strategic, scientific and clinical judgement with a proven ability to build organizations and advance innovative therapies," said Fred Aslan, M.D., chief executive officer of Artiva.
Miralles has served on Artiva’s board of directors since May 2024. The company develops cell therapies for autoimmune diseases, with its lead program AlloNK currently in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
In connection with the appointment, Artiva’s board approved an inducement grant of stock options for 232,500 shares and 77,500 restricted stock units. The options and stock units will vest over four years, with 25% vesting on May 15, 2027, and the remainder vesting monthly and quarterly thereafter.
The company plans to initiate a Phase 3 registrational trial for AlloNK in refractory rheumatoid arthritis in 2026. Artiva was founded in 2019 as a spinout from GC Cell, a South Korean healthcare company.
Miralles received his medical degree from Universidad de Buenos Aires and completed his residency at Mayo Clinic and fellowship at Cornell University–New York Hospital.