Aspire Biopharma Appoints New Board Member

Phillip Balatsos brings capital markets and operating expertise to support drug delivery platform development

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing a patent-pending drug delivery technology, has announced the appointment of Phillip Balatsos to its Board of Directors. Balatsos is a senior financial markets executive with over 25 years of experience in foreign exchange, emerging markets, institutional sales and trading, and public company governance. In addition to his capital markets career, he has entrepreneurial and operating experience, having founded and scaled a multi-location hospitality business and advised national restaurant groups.

Why it matters

Balatsos' appointment to the Aspire Biopharma board is expected to provide valuable guidance as the company continues to develop its patent-pending drug delivery platform, which aims to improve the effectiveness and reduce side effects of various therapeutics by delivering drugs directly to the bloodstream. His background in capital markets, entrepreneurship, and operations is seen as complementary to Aspire's growth and innovation efforts.

The details

Aspire Biopharma's patent-pending sublingual delivery technology is designed to rapidly and precisely deliver drugs to the body, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This technology can be applied to a range of active pharmaceutical ingredients, spanning both small and large molecule therapeutics, as well as nutraceuticals and supplements. Balatsos' appointment follows the planned departures of two existing board members, Suren Ajjarapu and Donald G. Fell.

  • Phillip Balatsos was appointed to the Aspire Biopharma Board of Directors on February 6, 2026.
  • The announcement of Balatsos' appointment was made on February 13, 2026.

The players

Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.

A biopharmaceutical company developing a patent-pending drug delivery technology.

Phillip Balatsos

A senior financial markets executive and board director with over 25 years of experience across foreign exchange, emerging markets, institutional sales and trading, and public company governance.

Kraig Higginson

Interim CEO and Chairperson of the Aspire Biopharma Board.

Suren Ajjarapu

A former member of the Aspire Biopharma Board of Directors.

Donald G. Fell

A former member of the Aspire Biopharma Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“On behalf of our Board, I am delighted to welcome Phillip to the Aspire Biopharma Board. His leadership experience will provide invaluable guidance as the organization continues to evolve and strengthen.”

— Kraig Higginson, Interim CEO and Chairperson of the Aspire Biopharma Board (Aspire Biopharma)

“The Company's mission to provide rapid-onset therapeutics through novel sublingual formulations resonates strongly with my experience in scaling growth-stage companies. I look forward to supporting this team as they advance their platform and drive the next phase of growth and innovation.”

— Phillip Balatsos (Aspire Biopharma)

The takeaway

Aspire Biopharma's appointment of Phillip Balatsos to its Board of Directors brings valuable capital markets, entrepreneurial, and operational expertise to support the company's efforts to develop and commercialize its innovative drug delivery platform. Balatsos' background is seen as complementary to Aspire's growth strategy and commitment to advancing its technology to benefit patients, customers, and shareholders.