John also understands the importance of collaboration with healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and regulatory agencies to ensure the accessibility, safety and efficacy of Kazia’s therapies. “The medical community is built around collaboration. Be it through drug development, clinical trials, and ultimately in bringing treatments to the patients who need it, working closely with other healthcare professionals, regulators, and patient advocates is vital. “Collaboration has been at the centre of my career, so I really appreciate how important it is that we all work together to deliver the best outcome for patients. Of course, it’s critical that all of these aspects are supported by good governance, otherwise patient outcomes may be compromised.” When John joined Kazia as Chief Medical Officer in 2021, he was driven by the exciting and extremely promising science of Kazia’s clinical programs. “I was super excited about the people working within the company and the opportunity to help grow the business. But what excited me most of all was the strong science behind Kazia’s drug candidates – paxalisib and EVT801. Since joining I haven’t looked back and I’ve never had a more fulfilling job in my entire career.” John also emphasises the incredible calibre of Kazia’s people as being central to him joining the business. “It’s that gut feeling. You get the sense that these are the right people here at Kazia, that there are a lot of really passionate and talented leaders, as well as individual contributors who are really working hard to deliver results for both patients and shareholders. The team is the best of the best.” A constant reminder of the importance of the work John and the team at Kazia are doing comes from the moving feedback he regularly receives from patients, their families, and their physicians. “Never have I been part of a company whereby I have researchers and physicians, and a lot of times families and parents, reaching out to me on a weekly basis, thanking me for what Kazia is doing. It is an incredibly powerful and potent reminder of why the work we’re doing here is so important, and the incredible potential it holds for so many people.” Outside of work, John is just as passionate about his family and his hobbies. John, his wife Kimberly and their four children all share a love of sports, from soccer, crew, taekwondo to track and field. “I have done triathlons for around 20 years, but now I focus more on activities that are kinder to my knees! We are all about outdoor activities and love spending time together as a family in nature.” Looking ahead, John is excited about the immense potential Kazia’s treatments may offer patients and their families one day. “Hearing the feedback that we do from patients and their families really reinforces the importance of what we are doing. Paxalisib now has two FDA Fast Track Designations, underscoring the momentum of our clinical programs. Between paxalisib and EVT801, we have multiple clinical programs progressing well, with further milestones in terms of clinical data expected to be released soon. There is such a huge potential benefit for patients, and we’re excited about the life-changing impact Kazia’s work could have as we continue to push our clinical programs forward and work to bring paxalisib and EVT801 to market.” “We’ve not focused enough resources and effort on the paediatric population with regards to drug development and clinical trials, especially in the area of cancer. There is such a huge unmet need, and I am deeply passionate about being a part of developing new therapies for children suffering from rare and devastating cancers." Chairman and CEO’s Letter Key Milestones Introduction to Kazia’s CEO Pipeline Review Environment, Society and Governance Financial Reports 7
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