BOSTON, Mass., September 10, 2025 – Hillstar Bio, a leading biotechnology company focused on developing next-generation precision immunology therapies for autoimmune diseases, today announced the formation of a Clinical Advisory Board (CAB) with leading physician-scientists in spondyloarthritis and rheumatology. The CAB will provide strategic guidance for the clinical development of HSB-101, Hillstar’s lead program targeting TRBV9 for the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), for its translational engine and for further pipeline build.
“We are honored to have these globally recognized medical and scientific leaders join Hillstar Bio as we continue to progress HSB-101 to the clinic in 2026,” said Mitchell Keegan, Ph.D., Chief Development Officer of Hillstar Bio. “Each member of our CAB brings a wealth of expertise in translational and clinical research in rheumatology, in particular in AxSpA and related diseases, further enabling us to execute on our mission to transform autoimmune treatment by selectively targeting pathogenic immune cells, offering patients the potential for durable relief and immune reset.”
“Although significant advances have been made in the management of axial spondyloarthritis, there continues to be a need for novel therapies that achieve sustained remission, preferably without increasing infection risk”, said Stanford L. Peng, MD, PhD, Chairperson of the CAB. “Recent research suggests TRBV9-expressing T cells as key drivers of disease pathogenesis. Selective depletion of these cells is an innovative approach to precision immunology that may meaningfully change the therapeutic landscape for this chronic and too often debilitating condition.”
Hillstar Bio’s Clinical Advisory Board
- Stanford L. Peng, MD, PhD (Chairperson) is a physician-scientist R&D executive and is currently a Venture Partner at Frazier Life Sciences. He has served in leadership roles in multiple biotech, pharmaceutical and academic institutions, including Stemcentrx, Seagen, and Roche, as well as the Benaroya Research Institute and Washington University in St. Louis. Most recently, he served as President and Head of Research and Development at Alpine Immune Sciences (Nasdaq: ALPN), until its acquisition by Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2024. Dr. Peng earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in Biology from Yale University. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a clinical and research fellowship in rheumatology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He continues to be a practicing rheumatologist.
- Xenofon Baraliakos, MD, PhD (Member) is a Full Professor of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Ruhr University Bochum, and is the current President of EULAR. His research interests include clinical and academic research in the field of spondyloarthritis, with emphasis on imaging outcomes and treatment of the disease. He has made significant contributions to the study of AxSpA and related conditions and has published over 400 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Baraliakos received Board Degrees in orthopaedic surgery, internal medicine and rheumatology. He has served as President of ASAS (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society), and is member of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) and the German Society of Rheumatology.
- Maureen Dubreuil, MD, MSc (Member) is an Associate Professor in Rheumatology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine where her research focuses on comorbidities and pharmacoepidemiology of spondyloarthritis. In addition to her research, Dr. Dubreuil is a member of the leading international organizations for spondyloarthritis research. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN) and on the Medical Advisory Board for the Spondylitis Association of America. Dr. Dubreuil completed an internal medicine residency and a rheumatology fellowship at Boston Medical Center.
About Hillstar Bio
Hillstar Bio is ushering in a new era in autoimmune disease treatment through precision immunology. The company selectively targets and depletes pathogenic immune cells while sparing healthy ones, offering the potential for durable relief and immune reset for patients with autoimmune conditions. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly suppress the immune system, Hillstar Bio’s targeted approach addresses specific disease mechanisms by eliminating the underlying source and reducing the risks associated with chronic broad immunosuppression. Backed by an experienced investor syndicate spanning the US and Europe, including Droia Ventures, Frazier Life Sciences, Novo Holdings A/S, and LifeArc Ventures, Hillstar Bio is fully funded through early clinical studies to accelerate development of its TRBV9 lead program while expanding its pipeline of selective immune cell targeting therapies. To learn more visit www.hillstarbio.com and follow the company on LinkedIn.
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