Longeveron Names Stephen Willard CEO Ahead of HLHS Phase 2b Q3 2026 Results
Longeveron appointed Stephen H. Willard as permanent CEO on February 11, 2026, succeeding interim chief Than Powell who will remain in business development. The company is focused on reporting pivotal Phase 2b trial top-line results for its laromestrocel HLHS program in Q3 2026, a potential BLA-enabling study.
1. New CEO Appointment
Longeveron’s board appointed Stephen H. Willard as CEO effective February 11, 2026. Willard brings more than 30 years of executive experience leading public and private biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms, including CEO roles at ICAPATH, NRx Pharmaceuticals, Cellphire and Flamel Technologies.
2. Pivotal Phase 2b HLHS Trial
The company is preparing to release top-line data from its pivotal Phase 2b trial of laromestrocel in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in the third quarter of 2026. FDA guidance suggests that, if successful, this trial could serve as the pivotal study for a biologics license application.
3. Strategic Priorities and Transition
Interim CEO Than Powell will stay on to support the leadership transition and ongoing business development activities. Willard’s agenda emphasizes extending Longeveron’s capital runway and forging strategic collaborations to advance its stem cell pipeline.