(SeaPRwire) – By: Christian Pierce
The global treatment-resistant depression market is stuck. Patients have few proven, accessible options beyond costly, clinic-only IV therapies. HMNC’s new CMO appointment isn’t just a standard leadership tweak. It’s a clear bet on untying that knot.
On June 17, 2026, Munich-based HMNC Brain Health appointed Dr. Bjørn Grønning as its new chief medical officer, replacing Hans Eriksson. Grønning brings 20+ years of global clinical development experience, most recently as VP of therapeutic areas at Lundbeck. He previously held leadership roles at Novo Nordisk and Ferring, with academic roots in cardiology research. HMNC’s lead pipeline candidates are Ketabon, an oral prolonged-release ketamine for TRD, and Nelivabon, a first-in-class V1b receptor antagonist for biomarker-guided depression. The company recently closed a $50 million Series B round led by MEDICE, which also secured European commercial rights to Ketabon, with tiered double-digit royalties and success-based milestones.
This isn’t just a funding round or a hire. It’s a coordinated play to scale HMNC’s neuroscience pipeline. MEDICE’s existing European ADHD distribution network gives it a ready outlet for Ketabon’s outpatient model. Grønning’s late-stage development track record will let HMNC accelerate Phase 3 work for both programs, putting pressure on established neuropsychiatry players who have lagged on scalable oral therapies.
Author bio: Christian Pierce, a veteran chief financial columnist and markets commentator covering biotech and pharmaceuticals.
