Akari Therapeutics, Plc announced leadership changes, including the appointment of experienced life sciences entrepreneur Samir R. Patel, M.D. as interim CEO. Rachelle Jacques will step down as Akari?s Chief Executive Officer effective 01 May 2024. In connection with Ms. Jacques?

departure, Akari?s board of directors (the ?Board?) has appointed Dr. Patel as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Patel has served as a member of the Board since December 2023. Patel is a long-time supporter and investor in Akari and brings in broad life sciences experience and a track record of multiple successful startup companies.

Dr. Patel currently serves as founder and principal of PranaBio Investments, LLC. He is also a consultant to GE Global Research, GE?s innovation engine that is creating novel products and solutions across several sectors including biomanufacturing and biotechnology. He has more than 20 years of experience in life sciences including co-founding Digital Therapeutics, LLC and SPEC Pharma, LLC.

Previously, Dr. Patel held multiple roles in Medical Affairs with Centocor Inc. (now Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, part of Johnson & Johnson). He holds multiple patents, has been an author on several publications and has been an investigator in numerous clinical research studies. He has served on the boards of several public companies, including Rezolute Bio.

Dr. Patel received his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio and completed his internal medicine internship, residency, and rheumatology fellowship at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals.