NEW YORK – January 8, 2026
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AVXL), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and rare diseases, including Rett syndrome, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced the appointment of Wolfgang Liedtke, MD, PhD, as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Neurology.
Dr. Liedtke is a board-certified neurologist with more than 25 years of experience in developing and delivering innovative medicines across a broad range of CNS diseases, including genetic medicines and global therapeutic development. Most recently, he served as Chair of Neurology at Regeneron, where he oversaw the integration of discovery into 45 clinical trials, including 14 Phase 3 studies. A renowned physician-scientist, Dr. Liedtke has led late-stage development programs, including a CNS clinical trial enrolling more than 11,000 patients, and contributed to successful late-stage trials of dupilumab. He brings deep expertise in neurodegeneration, pain research, and translational neuroscience, along with authorship of more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and a current h-index of 82.
“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Liedtke to Anavex at this crucial moment. His substantial experience will play an essential role as we continue working to enhance value for both patients and shareholders,” said Christopher U. Missling, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anavex. “Dr. Liedtke’s broad and profound expertise in neurology will be a tremendous asset as we advance Anavex’s mission to transform brain health through improved patient outcomes by developing convenient oral personalized treatments.”
“There is a major global unmet need in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and neurodevelopmental disorders. I believe Anavex’s patient-oriented precision medicine approach in neurology can meaningfully improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Liedtke. “I am excited to join the Anavex team, where patient-centered innovation is our passion, to help transform the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases once deemed untreatable.”
Prior to Regeneron, Dr. Liedtke served 17 years as a tenured full professor at Duke University, where he established the Duke Pain Research Group and founded two pain-focused clinics at Duke University Medical Center, providing care to more than 5,000 patients. He was elected to the Medical Advisory Board of the U.S. Facial Pain Association, where he serves as Lead Neurologist. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at The Rockefeller University, where he discovered the TRPV4 ion channel, relevant to neuroinflammation and pain, and contributed to the understanding of TRPV4 channelopathies, including hereditary motor neuropathies. He also made key discoveries in the gene regulation of the KCC2 neuronal chloride transporter, relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, pathologic pain, neural anti-aging, and neuroprotection. His translational expertise is reflected in numerous U.S. patents and his election to the American Clinical and Climatological Association.
About Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: AVXL) is a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, Rett syndrome, and other CNS disorders, pain, and certain cancers. The Company’s lead drug candidate, ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), is an orally available therapy designed to restore cellular homeostasis by targeting SIGMAR1 and muscarinic receptors, including enhancement of autophagy. Further information is available at www.anavex.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are forward-looking statements based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
For Further Information
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Research & Business Development
Toll-free: 1-844-689-3939
Email: info@anavex.com
Investors
Andrew J. Barwicki
Investor Relations
Tel: 516-662-9461
Email: andrew@barwicki.com