Xilio Therapeutics adds Cheryl Blanchard to board, Rossi steps down

Xilio Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: XLO) appointed Cheryl R. Blanchard to its board of directors, the clinical-stage biotechnology company announced. Christina Rossi stepped down from the board effective April 15, 2026.

Blanchard brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in life science companies across biologics, small molecules and medical devices. She currently serves as executive chair of the board at Anika Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIK) and previously held the role of president and chief executive officer there.

Before joining Anika, Blanchard served as president and CEO of Microchips Biotech Inc. until its acquisition by Daré Bioscience Inc. She also worked as chief scientific officer at Zimmer Inc., now known as Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. Earlier in her career, she established the medical device practice at Southwest Research Institute and served as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Blanchard currently sits on the boards of privately-held life science companies Lumicell Inc. and Surgicure Technologies Inc. She holds a bachelor's degree in ceramic engineering with a minor in mathematics from Alfred University and earned master's and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.

"Cheryl brings over three decades of leadership experience advancing the development of innovative products across biologics, small molecules and medical devices," said Sara Bonstein, chair of Xilio's board of directors.

Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing masked immuno-oncology therapies designed to activate within tumor environments while minimizing systemic side effects. The company is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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