Pliant, a fintech specializing in B2B payment solutions, has officially launched in the United States through a strategic partnership with Coastal. This move marks Pliant’s entry into one of the world’s largest commercial card markets and accelerates its global expansion strategy. By partnering with Coastal, Pliant gains a compliant pathway to scale its operations in the U.S. banking ecosystem.

Coastal, recognized for its disciplined and innovation-focused approach to banking-as-a-service, will serve as Pliant’s U.S. sponsor bank. This role enables Pliant to navigate regulatory requirements while establishing a foundation for long-term growth. The partnership underscores Pliant’s focus on expanding its footprint in the B2B payments sector.

Through the collaboration, Pliant is now positioned to support agent-based issuing structures. This capability allows the fintech to extend its reach across the U.S. banking ecosystem, offering scalable solutions to businesses. The partnership aligns with Pliant’s broader strategy to deliver innovative payment solutions globally.

Key Partnership Details

The partnership with Coastal represents a significant step in Pliant’s global expansion efforts. By leveraging Coastal’s expertise in banking-as-a-service, Pliant aims to strengthen its presence in the competitive U.S. market. The fintech’s entry is expected to enhance its ability to serve businesses with tailored payment solutions.

Pliant Therapeutics, Inc. announced the appointments of Flavia Borellini, Ph.D. and Robert Iannone, M.D., M.S.C.E. to its Board of Directors, effective July 13, 2026. The appointments strengthen the board's expertise in global oncology drug development, regulatory affairs, and operational leadership. The company is focused on the discovery and development of integrin-based therapeutics, including its lead program PLN-101095.

Board Expertise and Backgrounds

Dr. Borellini brings over 25 years of executive management experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She most recently served as Chief Executive Officer for Acerta Pharma, overseeing the development and approval of Calquence (acalabrutinib). Previously, she held senior positions at AstraZeneca, including Global Franchise Head, Hematology, where she led the global development of Tagrisso (osimertinib). At Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, she led the development and launch of Zelboraf (vemurafenib) and served as program leader for Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Tarceva (erlotinib).

Dr. Iannone brings over two decades of executive leadership and clinical drug development experience. He currently serves as Executive Vice President, Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer at Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Prior to this, he was Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development at Immunomedics and held senior roles at AstraZeneca, where he oversaw the development of Imfinzi (durvalumab). Earlier in his career, he served as a development leader for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at Merck.

Current Board Roles

In addition to their new roles at Pliant Therapeutics, Dr. Borellini serves on the Board of Directors of Cantargia AP, Kartos Therapeutics, and Revolution Medicines. Dr. Iannone serves on the Board of Directors of Autolus Therapeutics.

Strategic Focus

The appointments are expected to bolster Pliant Therapeutics' capabilities as it advances PLN-101095, a dual-selective inhibitor of αvß8 and αvß1 integrins. The drug is being investigated in the FORTIFY trial, a Phase 1b indication expansion study for patients with NSCLC, tumors with high tumor mutational burden, or clear cell renal cell carcinoma.