LA JOLLA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Calidi Biotherapeutics, a Nevada corporation, is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that is pioneering the development of stem cell-based delivery of oncolytic viruses, announced today the appointment of Alfonso “Chito” Zulueta to its Board of Directors, effective February 7, 2022. Zulueta brings to Calidi more than 30 years of extensive strategic, operational and financial experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
“We are extremely excited to have Alfonso Zulueta join our Board of Directors,” said Allan Camaisa, Calidi’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Calidi’s Board of Directors. “Having spent 33 years at Eli Lilly and Company, Alfonso’s numerous contacts in the pharmaceutical industry will help to accelerate Calidi’s visibility in the marketplace. And, following our proposed merger with Edoc Acquisition Corp., Alfonso’s extensive biopharma strategic, operational, and business development experience will help to further strengthen the depth of capabilities at Calidi as we become a public company.”
“I am honored to have joined the Board of Calidi, with their innovative approach to oncolytic virus delivery facilitated by the use of stem cells,” said Zulueta. “I am excited to work alongside Allan and the Calidi leadership team to support, guide and grow this company as Calidi advances its innovative technology, which we believe will be revolutionary.”
Mr. Zulueta was President of International for Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”), where he was responsible for all geographies outside of the United States and Canada, from 2017 until his retirement at the end of 2021. He also served as an Executive Committee Member and Corporate Officer. His other key senior roles at Lilly included President of Global Oncology and Critical Care, Vice President of Global Marketing, and President of both Lilly Japan and Emerging Markets.
Mr. Zulueta received a bachelor’s degree in economics from DeSalle University in the Philippines and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. He was a board director of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association (EFPIA). He currently serves on the board of directors of CTS Corporation and Syneos Health.
On February 2, 2022, Calidi entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Edoc Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted blank check company (“Edoc”), related to a potential business combination between Edoc and Calidi. A Current Report on Form 8-K, filed by Edoc with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 2, 2022 (“Current Report”), contains additional information about the proposed business combination and related financings and backstop arrangements. A copy of the Current Report is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. In addition, Edoc intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, including a proxy statement/prospectus, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC.
About Calidi Biotherapeutics
Calidi Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company with proprietary technology that is revolutionizing the effective delivery and potentiation of oncolytic viruses for targeted therapy against difficult-to-treat cancers. Calidi Biotherapeutics is advancing a potent allogeneic stem cell and oncolytic virus combination for use in multiple oncology indications. Calidi’s off-the-shelf, universal cell-based delivery platforms are designed to protect, amplify, and potentiate oncolytic viruses currently in development, leading to enhanced efficacy and improved patient safety. Calidi Biotherapeutics is headquartered in La Jolla, California. For more information, please visit calidibio.com.
About Edoc Acquisition Corp.
Edoc Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company organized for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. The company is sponsored by an extensive network of physician entrepreneurs across 30+ medical specialties in leading medical institutions and is led by Kevin Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Edoc.
