Xilio Therapeutics Appoints Ben Harshbarger as Chief Legal Officer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 29 2026
0mins
Xilio Therapeutics announced the appointment of Ben Harshbarger as chief legal officer. recently, he served as chief legal officer at Astria Therapeutics, Inc. until its acquisition.
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About XLO
Xilio Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company. The Company is engaged in discovering and developing masked immuno-oncology, or I-O, therapies with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for people living with cancer without the systemic side effects of current I-O treatments. Its pipeline products include Vilastobart, Efarindodekin alfa, XTX501, and masked T cell engagers. Vilastobart is an investigational masked, Fc-enhanced anti-CTLA-4 designed to block CTLA-4 and deplete regulatory T cells when activated (unmasked) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). XTX501 is a novel bispecific PD-1 / masked IL-2 designed to selectively stimulate PD-1 positive, antigen-experienced T cells and enhance their function. Its masked T cell engager programs consist of PSMA and STEAP1 with co-stimulation and CLDN18.2. The masked T cell engagers include molecules with one or more tumor-associated antigen (TAA) binding domains and a CD3 targeting domain.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employees
- Stock Option Grant: On July 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 107,060 non-qualified stock options to three new employees, with an exercise price of $9.22 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to incentivizing new talent.
- Vesting Schedule: Each stock option has a ten-year term, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of employment and the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring employee retention and loyalty during their tenure.
- Incentive Plan Context: The stock options are granted under Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, aimed at attracting top talent and strengthening the team, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies with minimal systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to enhance anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Legal Officer
- Executive Appointment: Xilio Therapeutics has appointed Ben Harshbarger as Chief Legal Officer, bringing over 20 years of legal and strategic experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, which will be crucial as the company advances its multi-specific immuno-oncology therapies.
- Strategic Timing: Harshbarger's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Xilio as it progresses its pipeline, including the potential best-in-class bispecific PD-1/masked IL-2 therapy XTX501, aimed at improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients while minimizing systemic side effects.
- Industry Experience: Prior to joining Xilio, Harshbarger served as Chief Legal Officer at Astria Therapeutics, where he played a key role in the company's transition from preclinical to late-stage clinical development, demonstrating his capability in driving strategic and operational initiatives.
- Technological Edge: Xilio leverages its clinically-validated masking technology to develop immunotherapies designed to selectively activate within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly enhance treatment outcomes for cancer patients while reducing the side effects associated with current therapies.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Q1 Financial Highlights
- Revenue Growth: Xilio Therapeutics reported Q1 2026 revenue of $12.6 million, indicating a gradual recovery and increased product demand compared to the previous year.
- Reduced Net Loss: The net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $9.5 million, a significant decrease from $13.3 million in Q1 2025, reflecting improvements in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Improved Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, Xilio's cash and cash equivalents stood at $150.3 million, up from $137.5 million on December 31, 2025, primarily driven by $37.3 million in net proceeds from a follow-on offering in February 2026.
- Reverse Stock Split Announcement: The company announced a 1-for-14 reverse stock split aimed at enhancing stock liquidity and attracting more investor interest, thereby laying the groundwork for future capital operations.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employee
- Stock Option Grant: On May 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 1,982 non-qualified stock options to a new employee at an exercise price of $8.32 per share, reflecting the closing price on that date, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitive edge.
- Vesting Schedule: The stock options will vest 25% on the first anniversary of employment, with the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring continued employee contribution during their tenure with the company.
- Incentive Plan Context: This stock option grant is made under Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), demonstrating the company's commitment to valuing new hires and its future growth.
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies without systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to optimize anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Appoints Cheryl R. Blanchard to Board
- Board Appointment: Xilio Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Cheryl R. Blanchard to its board, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience in biopharmaceuticals, which is expected to enhance the company's expertise in advancing next-generation immuno-oncology therapies toward clinical application.
- Executive Transition: Christina Rossi stepped down from the board effective April 15, 2026, with Xilio expressing gratitude for her contributions over the past five years, indicating ongoing adjustments and optimizations within the executive team.
- Technological Potential: Dr. Blanchard highlighted that Xilio's masking technology has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by delivering highly effective and low-toxicity multi-specific immunotherapies, showcasing the company's strategic advantage in innovative drug development.
- Industry Influence: With her previous executive roles, particularly at Anika Therapeutics, Dr. Blanchard is poised to enhance Xilio's market competitiveness and strategic direction, leveraging her extensive experience in the life sciences sector.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employees
- Stock Options Granted: On April 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 3,257 non-qualified stock options to two new employees at an exercise price of $8.48 per share, equal to the closing price that day, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitiveness.
- Vesting Arrangement: The stock options will vest 25% after the first year of employment, with the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring continued employee contribution during their tenure with the company.
- Incentive Plan Context: This grant aligns with Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, designed to attract new employees in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), thereby improving the overall talent quality within the company.
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies without systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to optimize anti-tumor activity, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes for cancer patients and showcasing the company's innovative potential in the biotechnology sector.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employees
- Stock Option Grant: On July 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 107,060 non-qualified stock options to three new employees, with an exercise price of $9.22 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to incentivizing new talent.
- Vesting Schedule: Each stock option has a ten-year term, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of employment and the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring employee retention and loyalty during their tenure.
- Incentive Plan Context: The stock options are granted under Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, aimed at attracting top talent and strengthening the team, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies with minimal systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to enhance anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Legal Officer
- Executive Appointment: Xilio Therapeutics has appointed Ben Harshbarger as Chief Legal Officer, bringing over 20 years of legal and strategic experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, which will be crucial as the company advances its multi-specific immuno-oncology therapies.
- Strategic Timing: Harshbarger's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Xilio as it progresses its pipeline, including the potential best-in-class bispecific PD-1/masked IL-2 therapy XTX501, aimed at improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients while minimizing systemic side effects.
- Industry Experience: Prior to joining Xilio, Harshbarger served as Chief Legal Officer at Astria Therapeutics, where he played a key role in the company's transition from preclinical to late-stage clinical development, demonstrating his capability in driving strategic and operational initiatives.
- Technological Edge: Xilio leverages its clinically-validated masking technology to develop immunotherapies designed to selectively activate within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly enhance treatment outcomes for cancer patients while reducing the side effects associated with current therapies.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Q1 Financial Highlights
- Revenue Growth: Xilio Therapeutics reported Q1 2026 revenue of $12.6 million, indicating a gradual recovery and increased product demand compared to the previous year.
- Reduced Net Loss: The net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was $9.5 million, a significant decrease from $13.3 million in Q1 2025, reflecting improvements in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Improved Cash Position: As of March 31, 2026, Xilio's cash and cash equivalents stood at $150.3 million, up from $137.5 million on December 31, 2025, primarily driven by $37.3 million in net proceeds from a follow-on offering in February 2026.
- Reverse Stock Split Announcement: The company announced a 1-for-14 reverse stock split aimed at enhancing stock liquidity and attracting more investor interest, thereby laying the groundwork for future capital operations.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employee
- Stock Option Grant: On May 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 1,982 non-qualified stock options to a new employee at an exercise price of $8.32 per share, reflecting the closing price on that date, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitive edge.
- Vesting Schedule: The stock options will vest 25% on the first anniversary of employment, with the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring continued employee contribution during their tenure with the company.
- Incentive Plan Context: This stock option grant is made under Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), demonstrating the company's commitment to valuing new hires and its future growth.
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies without systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to optimize anti-tumor activity within the tumor microenvironment, aiming to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Appoints Cheryl R. Blanchard to Board
- Board Appointment: Xilio Therapeutics has appointed Dr. Cheryl R. Blanchard to its board, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience in biopharmaceuticals, which is expected to enhance the company's expertise in advancing next-generation immuno-oncology therapies toward clinical application.
- Executive Transition: Christina Rossi stepped down from the board effective April 15, 2026, with Xilio expressing gratitude for her contributions over the past five years, indicating ongoing adjustments and optimizations within the executive team.
- Technological Potential: Dr. Blanchard highlighted that Xilio's masking technology has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients by delivering highly effective and low-toxicity multi-specific immunotherapies, showcasing the company's strategic advantage in innovative drug development.
- Industry Influence: With her previous executive roles, particularly at Anika Therapeutics, Dr. Blanchard is poised to enhance Xilio's market competitiveness and strategic direction, leveraging her extensive experience in the life sciences sector.
See More
Xilio Therapeutics Grants Stock Options to New Employees
- Stock Options Granted: On April 1, 2026, Xilio Therapeutics granted 3,257 non-qualified stock options to two new employees at an exercise price of $8.48 per share, equal to the closing price that day, aimed at attracting and retaining talent to enhance the company's competitiveness.
- Vesting Arrangement: The stock options will vest 25% after the first year of employment, with the remaining 75% vesting in 36 equal monthly installments, ensuring continued employee contribution during their tenure with the company.
- Incentive Plan Context: This grant aligns with Xilio Therapeutics' 2022 Inducement Stock Incentive Plan, designed to attract new employees in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4), thereby improving the overall talent quality within the company.
- Strategic Company Goals: Xilio Therapeutics focuses on developing immuno-oncology therapies without systemic side effects, leveraging proprietary masking technology to optimize anti-tumor activity, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes for cancer patients and showcasing the company's innovative potential in the biotechnology sector.
See More
