Eloxx adds Geno Germano to board, finalizes Phase 2 trial design for exaluren in ADPKD

Eloxx Pharmaceuticals disclosed in an 8-K that on October 19, 2026, its board of directors expanded from five to six members and named Geno J. Germano to the new seat.¹ Germano's term runs until the 2027 annual meeting, subject to the usual conditions on succession or removal.¹ The board determined that Germano qualifies as independent under Nasdaq listing standards, the company's internal policies, and SEC rules.¹

Germano brings 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, spanning development and commercialization across many therapeutic areas.¹ He most recently served as President and CEO and a board member of Elucida Oncology, Inc. from August 2018 to June 2024.¹ His earlier roles include President of Intrexon Corporation from June 2016 to March 2017, and Group President of Pfizer's Global Innovative Pharma Business from 2014 to February 2016, where he oversaw a $14 billion business.¹

As compensation for joining the board, Germano was granted an option for 13,587 shares of common stock priced at $12.50 per share, vesting monthly over two years in equal installments.¹

Separately, the company announced on October 20, 2026 that T.R. Srinivas, M.D., has been appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, alongside the finalized design of the global Phase 2 "EXPRESS" trial testing exaluren in nonsense-mutation autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).¹

The trial plans to enroll about 60 adults with PKD1 or PKD2 nonsense mutations, randomizing them 1:1 to exaluren or placebo for 52 weeks, with the primary endpoint measured as the annualized change in height-adjusted total kidney volume.¹ According to the filing, dosing of the first patient is targeted for the third quarter of 2027, with topline results anticipated in the first half of 2029.¹ The company also noted that exaluren has been granted orphan drug designation for ADPKD in both the United States and Europe.¹