Valion Bio, Inc. (Nasdaq: VBIO) has announced a series of leadership changes to its executive team and Board of Directors, effective September 17, 2026. The company has appointed Dean Zikria as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective September 22, 2026. Mr. Zikria is a current member of the Board and will oversee the company's strategic priorities, including accelerating the clinical advancement of its lead candidate, Entolimod.
Mr. Zikria, age 58, has served on the Board since July 10, 2019. He brings extensive experience in the medical technology and pharmaceutical industries, including roles as Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Mind Machine LLC, and as Chief Commercial Officer at Intuity Medical Inc. Previously, he served as CEO of Spirosure Inc., head of global marketing for Johnson & Johnson’s Animas Corporation, and head of strategy for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals U.S. Cardiovascular Unit, which had approximately $7 billion in annual revenues.
In connection with his appointment, Mr. Zikria entered into a Consulting Agreement. Under this agreement, he is entitled to a monthly fee of $23,333 and 50,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) issued pursuant to the company’s Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. An additional 50,000 RSUs are contingent upon an increase in the Plan approved by stockholders. He is also eligible for a cash bonus upon the closing of a strategic transaction, such as a reverse merger, merger, or acquisition. The Consulting Agreement is set to terminate on January 22, 2027, unless mutually extended by the parties.
Separately, the company announced that Sheryle Bolton has resigned from the Board effective September 17, 2026. The resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the company regarding operations or policies. Thomas Jensen has been appointed Chair of the Board and Chair of the Compensation Committee, while Jared Malbin has been appointed Chair of the Board’s Audit Committee. Mr. Zikria has been removed from the independent member roles on the Audit, Compensation, and Nominations and Corporate Governance Committees while serving as Interim CEO.
