ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc., an immuno-oncology biotechnology company, appointed its CEO, Laurence Cooper, as director, effective Oct. 16.

In addition, the company said in its press release that Francois Lebel is stepping down as the chief medical officer and executive vice president of research and development, effective Oct. 26.

Boston-based ZIOPHARM focuses on acquiring, developing and marketing a portfolio of immuno-oncology therapies for treating heterogenous solid tumors and unknown antigens.

Cooper said in the company's press release that ZIOPHARM is developing and expanding research and development as well as clinical development teams to support the cancer therapy Controlled IL-12 and Sleeping Beauty CAR-T and TCR-T programs.