Management and Board of Directors

Dr. Kitt joined Axalbion as Chief Executive Officer in November 2019, bringing more than 30 years of clinical development experience and industry expertise. Prior to joining Axalbion he was the CEO of Attenua. He has been responsible for the development of several potential cough product including bradanicline, serlopitant and at Afferent developed AF-219, a P2X3 antagonist which was subsequently acquired by Merck. Prior to that Dr. Kitt served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Portola Pharmaceuticals, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Nuon Therapeutics and Senior Vice President of Development at Theravance, Inc. He has previously held various executive positions at several pharmaceutical companies, including COR Therapeutics, Sterling-Winthrop, Inc. and The Upjohn Company. Dr. Kitt received his M.D. degree from NYU School of Medicine and B.S. in from NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

Before joining Axalbion, Olivier worked as Research Project Manager in academia as well as service provider and consultant for biomedical startups. During his 15+ years' experience, he investigated the role of receptors and ion channels in pathological and physiological conditions as well as their regulation and pharmacology. He developed a strong expertise in the fields of pain, inflammation and peripheral neuropathies. Olivier received his master’s degree in Molecular Neuroscience from Montpellier 2 University and its doctorate in Neuroscience from Lausanne University. He completed his curriculum with a PMI project management professional (PMP)® certification.

Professor Ashley Woodcock serves as Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Manchester and the Clinical Director at the North West Lung Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester. With an illustrious career beginning as an NHS Consultant Physician in Manchester in 1985, he has substantially contributed to the field through roles such as Chairman of the Clinical Assembly of the European Respiratory Society and President of the British Thoracic Society. His notable accolades include sharing the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with the International Panel for Climate Change and Al Gore, receiving an OBE in 2006 for services to the Environment, and being named a Fellow of both the Academy of Medical Sciences and the European Respiratory Society. Professor Woodcock has co-authored over 300 original publications and has pioneered significant research initiatives including the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study. His recent work includes leading a groundbreaking cough research group and overseeing the largest Respiratory Unit in the UK at the North West Lung Centre, which offers advanced, specialized care across all subspecialties of Respiratory Medicine.