VERO BEACH, FL , Nov. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Processa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCSA) (“Processa” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company advancing differentiated therapeutic programs for immunological and inflammatory diseases, today announced key leadership appointments to support the Company’s next phase of growth: Gregory J. Flesher , Chief Operating Officer Craig Coburn , Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Research Ashley Hall , J.D., Executive Vice President, Development Michael P. Cruse , Executive Vice President, Business Operations “As we advance our Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor VT-7208 across multiple immune-mediated diseases and continue to expand our pipeline, we are excited to be building the leadership team for Processa’s next stage of growth,” said Sheila Gujrathi , M.D., Executive Chair of the Processa Board of Directors. “Greg is an accomplished biotechnology executive who will play a central role in leading the company forward, while Craig, Ashley, and Mike bring deep and complementary experience across research, development and operations. Craig also brings a unique connection to our lead program as one of the scientists who helped invent VT-7208. Together, this is a highly experienced team with the capabilities to move quickly, execute with discipline and deliver on the opportunity ahead.” The appointments follow Processa’s July 2026 acquisition of Vidya Therapeutics in a sign-and-close reverse merger and concurrent private placement financing of approximately $200 million , which established the foundation for the Company’s current clinical and pipeline strategy. Processa is advancing VT-7208, a next-generation, CNS-penetrant, once-daily oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi), across planned Phase 2 proof-of-concept programs in food allergy, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and relapsing multiple sclerosis. More recently , the Company announced FDA clearance of the investigational new drug (IND) application for the planned Phase 2 study of VT-7208 in CSU, and a research collaboration and exclusive option agreement with Generian Pharmaceuticals to advance a preclinical oral neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) antagonist program. ABOUT THE APPOINTEES Gregory J. Flesher , Chief Operating Officer Mr. Flesher brings more than 25 years of biopharmaceutical industry leadership experience across company building, capital markets, business development, operations and clinical development. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Ambros Therapeutics , Reneo Pharmaceuticals and Novus Therapeutics. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Avanir Pharmaceuticals , InterMune, Amgen and Eli Lilly. Craig Coburn , Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Head of Research Dr. Coburn brings more than 30 years of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery experience. He has served as a scientific advisor to Vidya Therapeutics since 2024 and most recently served as Senior Vice President, Head of Chemistry for Pioneering Medicines at Flagship Pioneering . Previously, he held senior research roles at Trotana Therapeutics, Gossamer Bio and Silverback Therapeutics and spent the first 20 years of his career at Merck Research Laboratories . Ashley Hall , J.D., Executive Vice President, Development Ms. Hall is an experienced biopharmaceutical development and regulatory leader. She most recently served as Chief Development Officer of Structure Therapeutics and previously held the same role at Reneo Pharmaceuticals. Earlier, she held senior development and regulatory positions at Esperion Therapeutics , Amgen, Micromet and MedImmune, including work supporting the development and regulatory programs for NEXLETOL®, NEXLIZET® and REPATHA®. Michael P. Cruse , Executive Vice President, Business Operations Mr. Cruse brings more than 20 years of operational leadership experience across biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of Ambros Therapeutics and, before that, as Chief Operating Officer of Reneo Pharmaceuticals after serving as Senior Vice President of Corporate Operations. Prior to Reneo, he served as Vice President, Corporate Operations at Novus Therapeutics and held positions of increasing responsibility at Avanir Pharmaceuticals . ABOUT PROCESSA PHARMACEUTICALS Processa Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company advancing differentiated therapeutic programs for immunological and inflammatory (I&I) diseases through a disciplined, science-driven development strategy. Following the acquisition of Vidya Therapeutics, Processa’s lead program is VT-7208, a potentially best-in-class oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) therapy designed to improve on efficacy and safety of earlier-generation BTKi programs. Processa is developing VT-7208 in food allergy, chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) and exploring additional immune-mediated diseases. Processa’s second pr