Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced the appointment of Launa J. Aspeslet, PhD, RAC, as Chief Operating Officer. A versatile C-level executive with more than 25 years of progressive life sciences industry leadership and management experience, Dr. Aspeslet has expertise in strategic planning and growth; clinical research; regulatory affairs; quality assurance and control; and research and development. She was most recently the CEO of Translational Research in Oncology, a clinical research organization that manages oncology trials around the globe.

Dr. Aspeslet was previously a biotechnology consultant where she planned, implemented, and executed drug, device, or combination product development strategies for early-stage companies. For 17 years, she held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership at Isotechnika Pharma Inc., serving as its Chief Operating Officer until its acquisition of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc. in 2013. Dr. Aspeslet received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Lethbridge and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Alberta.

She has Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) and completed the Ivey Business School at Western University's executive program.