Avalyn Appoints Biopharmaceutical Veteran to Board

Jon Congleton brings decades of experience to clinical-stage respiratory disease company

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Avalyn Pharma Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on inhaled therapies for serious respiratory diseases, has appointed Jon Congleton, an accomplished biopharmaceutical executive, to its Board of Directors. Congleton currently serves as CEO and Board Member of Mineralys Therapeutics and has nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, with expertise in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system therapeutic areas.

Why it matters

Avalyn is developing inhaled formulations of established antifibrotic medicines to treat pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating disease with limited treatment options. Congleton's experience in building and scaling both private and public biotech companies will be valuable as Avalyn advances its Phase 2 clinical programs and prepares for late-stage development and commercialization.

The details

Congleton has served as CEO for several biotechnology companies, including Mineralys Therapeutics, Impel Pharmaceuticals, and Nivalis Therapeutics. He has also held roles of increasing responsibility at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he was part of the original U.S. launch team for Copaxone in multiple sclerosis and led the company's CNS franchise. At Avalyn, Congleton's insights will help the company efficiently execute its mission to deliver a new standard of care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis through targeted, better-tolerated inhaled therapies.

  • Avalyn announced Congleton's appointment to its Board of Directors on April 6, 2026.

The players

Jon Congleton

An accomplished biopharmaceutical executive with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc.

Avalyn Pharma Inc.

A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering inhaled therapies to transform the treatment paradigm of serious, rare respiratory diseases.

Lyn Baranowski

Chief Executive Officer of Avalyn Pharma Inc.

Mineralys Therapeutics, Inc.

A publicly traded biotechnology company focused on aldosterone-driven cardiorenal conditions, where Jon Congleton serves as CEO and Board Member.

Impel Pharmaceuticals

A CNS-focused biotechnology company advancing novel upper nasal cavity drug delivery, where Jon Congleton previously served as CEO and Board Member.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are delighted to welcome Jon to Avalyn's Board, adding another accomplished biopharmaceutical leader with proven experience building and scaling both private and public companies. His distinguished track record in commercial strategy and organizational leadership will be instrumental as we advance our Phase 2 programs, MIST for AP01 and AURA for AP02, and prepare for late-stage development and commercialization. Jon's insights will help us efficiently execute our mission to deliver a new standard of care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis through targeted, better-tolerated inhaled therapies.”

— Lyn Baranowski, Chief Executive Officer of Avalyn Pharma Inc.

“I am thrilled to join Avalyn's Board and collaborate with such a talented and mission-driven team. Pulmonary fibrosis remains a devastating disease with limited treatment options and significant unmet need. It is truly distressing to understand how few patients with this deadly diagnosis are able to tolerate the existing oral medicines, underscoring the potential Avalyn has to transform standard of care in pulmonary fibrosis given the encouraging clinical data across its two lead programs.”

— Jon Congleton

What’s next

Avalyn will continue to advance its Phase 2 clinical programs, MIST for AP01 and AURA for AP02, as it prepares for late-stage development and commercialization of its inhaled therapies for pulmonary fibrosis.

The takeaway

Avalyn's appointment of an experienced biopharmaceutical executive like Jon Congleton to its Board of Directors signals the company's commitment to delivering innovative, lung-targeted treatments for patients with devastating respiratory diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, where current oral therapies have significant limitations.