Levicept, a UK-based biotech focused on the development of LEVI-04, a first-in-class treatment for osteoarthritis (OA), has appointed Darlene Deptula-Hicks as CFO.
Deptula-Hicks brings a wealth of international experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, a longstanding track record of raising capital in both private and public equity markets, and of strategic M&A.
Her executive positions have included acting CFO at Normunity and acting CFO at Greywolf Therapeutics. From 2019 to 2023, she was CFO of F-star Therapeutics where, alongside then F-star CEO, Eliot Forster, she led a successful PIPE financing and Nasdaq listing, a follow-on public offering and all-cash sale of the company in 2023.
“Having worked with Darlene closely at F-star, I know first-hand what an accomplished and strategic financial professional she is,” said Forster, now CEO of Levicept. “[Deptula-Hicks’] experience and strategic financial leadership further strengthens our senior team as we finalise and execute on our strategy to deliver on LEVI-04’s potential and ultimately benefit those living with OA and chronic pain.”
Levicept has delivered positive Phase II clinical trial results for LEVI-04 and the company is well positioned to drive further late-stage development.
Nicholas Stern, current acting CFO, will leave the company.
Investors in Levicept include Medicxi, Pfizer Ventures, Gilde Healthcare and Advent Life Sciences.
Press release: Levicept – CFO Appointment FINAL FOR DISTRIBUTION v3 clean.docx
