Calgary – October 12, 2026 -- XORTX Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: XRTX | TSXV: XRTX | Frankfurt: ANU) said board chairman Anthony Giovinazzo is stepping down from the board of directors, citing personal reasons and a wish to pursue other interests.
Giovinazzo leaves after several years as chairman and committee member
Giovinazzo led the board as chairman for the past several years and also served on key committees. Co-CEO Dr. Allen Davidoff credited him with leadership and ethics of the highest standards in both roles. Davidoff said management and the board extend their appreciation for his efforts.
The company did not name a successor chairman or give a departure date. The release also did not say whether Giovinazzo's committee seats will be refilled.
XORTX advances five programs in gout and kidney disease
The late-stage clinical pharmaceutical company is developing three clinically advanced products:
- XRx-026, its lead program, for gout
- XRx-008 for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)
- XRx-101 for acute kidney and other acute organ injury associated with respiratory virus infections
XORTX is also developing XRx-225, a pre-clinical program for Type 2 diabetic nephropathy. It recently acquired VB4-P5, a pre-IND program targeting both rare and prevalent forms of kidney disease.
Filing flags personnel retention among key risks
The forward-looking statements in the release list the company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel among its risk factors. They refer to a "newly appointed director" but do not name that person. Other listed risks include the need for additional capital and the ability to obtain regulatory approval for XRx-026 and other candidates on current timelines, or at all. The statements also cite the evolving regulatory environment in the United States and Canada.