Latigo Biotherapeutics Appoints New CEO
News related to:Latigo Biotherapeutics Inc · 3 min read
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Nov. 05, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Todd N. Smith, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in commercializing biopharmaceutical products, has been appointed as the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LTGO), effective immediately. Mr. Smith, who has served as an independent director on Latigo's board since July 2026, will succeed Nima Farzan, who will remain with the Company as a strategic advisor through 2027.
The appointment of Mr. Smith marks a significant milestone for Latigo Biotherapeutics, which is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines. Latigo's lead product candidate, onzotrigine (previously referred to as LTG-001), is an oral Nav1.8 ion channel inhibitor designed to provide fast-acting, opioid-sparing relief for the treatment of acute pain. The Company's Phase 3 program for onzotrigine and Phase 2 development of LTG-321 are among the key initiatives Mr. Smith will lead.
The appointment of Mr. Smith comes at a critical juncture for Latigo, as the company prepares to advance its pipeline of non-opioid pain treatment programs. Mr. Smith's extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including his successful leadership of multiple companies through late-stage development and commercialization, positions him well to guide Latigo through its next phase of growth.
Nima Farzan, who will remain with the Company as a strategic advisor through 2027, has been with Latigo since its inception. His dedicated leadership through the Company's initial public offering (IPO) and the clinical advancement of its pipeline, as well as his continued partnership through this transition, have been invaluable to the company's success.
Latigo's lead product candidate, onzotrigine, is an oral Nav1.8 ion channel inhibitor intended to provide fast-acting, opioid-sparing relief for the treatment of acute pain. The Company's Phase 3 program for onzotrigine and Phase 2 development of LTG-321 are among the key initiatives Mr. Smith will lead. Additionally, Latigo is advancing research of additional Nav1.8 inhibitors that may address alternative formulation and delivery approaches as well as other ion channel targets for the treatment of pain.
Latigo has built a differentiated pipeline of non-opioid pain programs designed to change the current treatment paradigm for patients. This is a talented team with deep expertise in the science and development of novel pain medicines. Mr. Smith looks forward to working with them as they initiate the Phase 3 program for onzotrigine and continue the Phase 2 development of LTG-321.
Following the successful IPO earlier this year, Latigo is well-capitalized to execute on its mission to deliver innovative non-opioid pain medicines for patients. The company's leadership transition, including the roles, contributions, and transition period of Mr. Smith and Mr. Farzan, will be managed with care to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
Latigo Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative non-opioid pain medicines. The company's drug candidates are designed to rapidly and effectively stop the transmission of pain without the risk of addiction. The Company's lead product candidate, onzotrigine (previously referred to as LTG-001), is an oral Nav1.8 ion channel inhibitor intended to provide fast-acting, opioid-sparing relief for the treatment of acute pain. LTG-321 is an oral Nav1.8 inhibitor being developed for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, Latigo is advancing research of additional Nav1.8 inhibitors that may address alternative formulation and delivery approaches as well as other ion channel targets for the treatment of pain.
Latigo's leadership transition, including the roles, contributions, and transition period of Mr. Smith and Mr. Farzan, will be managed with care to ensure a smooth and successful transition. The company is well-capitalized to execute on its mission to deliver innovative non-opioid pain medicines for patients.