Calithera Biosciences, Inc. announced the promotion of current vice president and head of clinical development, Dr. Emil T. Kuriakose, to chief medical officer (CMO). Dr. Kuriakose will succeed Dr. Keith Orford, who has been appointed to Calithera?s board of directors. During his time at Calithera, Dr. Kuriakose has overseen the advancement of the company?s clinical development programs, including the arginase inhibitor programs in oncology and cystic fibrosis, as well as multiple telaglenastat trials. As an integral member of the diligence team, Dr. Kuriakose played a key role in the company?s recent successful acquisition of sapanisertib and mivavotinib from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and he led formulation of the clinical development plan for the newly acquired assets. Prior to Calithera, Dr. Kuriakose led global clinical development programs, most recently with Novartis. Dr. Orford will assume the seat being vacated by current board member Jean M. George. Ms. George, a biotech investment and business development industry veteran, has served on the Calithera Board of Directors since 2012.