Xeris Biopharma Holdings, Inc. has appointed Chief Executive Officer John Shannon as Chair of the Board, effective July 1, 2026. The company also announced that Marla Persky will transition to the role of Lead Independent Director while remaining on the Board. Additionally, the Board appointed Nerissa Kreher, M.D., as a new director, expanding the total membership to eight members.

The leadership changes follow a review of the company's strategic direction over the past two years. Marla Persky stated that the Board initially wanted Mr. Shannon to focus on strategy and growth upon his appointment as CEO. She noted that his demonstrated leadership and vision make him the ideal person to now serve as chairman.

Mr. Shannon expressed confidence in the company's future, citing the continued rapid growth of its commercial portfolio and the advancement of its late-stage pipeline. He also thanked Marla Persky for her service as chairperson and highlighted her continued value as a thought partner and advisor in her new role.

New Board Appointment

The Board welcomed Dr. Nerissa Kreher, an accomplished physician-scientist and biotech executive. Mr. Shannon cited her experience in developing and commercializing therapies for rare diseases across neuromuscular, endocrinology, and metabolic disorders as a significant asset to the company.

Dr. Kreher currently serves as Chief Medical Officer of Alltrna, leading clinical development, regulatory, and patient advocacy. Her previous roles include Chief Medical Officer positions at Entrada Therapeutics, Tiburio Therapeutics, and AVROBIO. She also serves as an independent board director of Rezolute Bio.

Xeris Board Composition

Xeris is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative products. Its commercial portfolio includes Recorlev®, Gvoke®, and Keveyis®.

Xeris Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: XERS), announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Notice of Allowance for a new patent covering its KEVEYIS (dichlorphenamide) product. The allowed claims in U.S. Patent Application No. 17/151,405, entitled "Compositions and Methods of Use," cover the use of KEVEYIS. This development is expected to provide intellectual property protection for the therapy through 2039, reinforcing the company's commitment to the primary periodic paralysis community.

The Notice of Allowance indicates that the USPTO has determined the application meets the requirements for patentability. Following the completion of standard administrative steps and the payment of maintenance fees, the patent is expected to issue as a U.S. patent. Xeris intends to submit the patent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for listing in the Orange Book, a publication of approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.

KEVEYIS is an FDA-approved treatment for primary periodic paralysis (PPP), including primary hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, primary hypokalemic periodic paralysis, and related variants. PPP is a rare genetic condition characterized by episodes of muscle weakness or temporary paralysis. The therapy has been shown to reduce the number, severity, and duration of PPP attacks.

Key Details of the Patent Allowance

John Shannon, CEO of Xeris, stated that the Notice of Allowance reflects the company's long-standing commitment to the patient community that depends on KEVEYIS. He emphasized that strengthening the intellectual property around the therapy ensures the company can continue to deliver this treatment and support the primary periodic paralysis community.

Xeris Biopharma Holdings is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative products across various therapies. In addition to KEVEYIS, its commercial products include RECORLEV for endogenous Cushing's syndrome and GVOKE for severe hypoglycemia.