Allegro Appoints Stephan Crokaert as COO to Drive Osteoarthritis Treatment

Allegro NV, a pioneering biomedical company based in Liege, Belgium, has appointed Stephan Crokaert as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective September 2025. Crokaert, who has over 35 years of experience in life sciences, is expected to enhance the company’s strategic focus on advancing hydrocelin, a potential first-in-class injectable treatment for osteoarthritis, into clinical trials slated for 2026.

The appointment marks a significant step for Allegro as it aims to refine both the clinical and commercial development of hydrocelin. Lucas Decuypere, CEO of Allegro, expressed enthusiasm about Crokaert joining the management team, stating, “We are pleased to welcome such an experienced life science professional as Stephan Crokaert. His appointment comes at a crucial moment for Allegro, as we prepare our potential first-in-class treatment for osteoarthritis for clinical trials.”

Osteoarthritis affects millions globally, often leading to mobility issues and related mental health challenges. Allegro’s goal is clear: to restore mobility to those suffering from this debilitating condition. Crokaert’s previous roles include significant positions at NeoMedLight, Abbott, and Adagio, where he developed and implemented successful commercial strategies.

In his new role, Crokaert aims to leverage his extensive experience in medical devices to bring hydrocelin to market. “I am delighted to join the driven and successful team at Allegro. I look forward to using the experience I built up over a career spanning three decades in international leadership roles to advance the company’s promising technology,” Crokaert said.

Allegro’s recent funding success, raising €2 million in July, illustrates the strong commitment of its core investors. The funds will support the preparation of hydrocelin for a feasibility study in patients suffering from osteoarthritis, followed by a global registrational trial.

The company’s manufacturing capabilities have also expanded, with the installation of a new device in a cleanroom environment that can produce up to 15,000 prefilled syringes per batch. Hydrocelin is designed with cross-linked microparticles that function as tiny shock absorbers in the synovial fluid of affected joints, aiming to alleviate pain and protect cartilage. The treatment is intended for annual injection.

Allegro has previously presented promising preclinical data on hydrocelin, showcasing a satisfactory safety profile at the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases held in Rome. These findings, which include successful assessments of irritation, delayed sensitization, and systemic toxicity, contribute to the growing optimism surrounding the product’s potential.

About Allegro NV, the company is dedicated to developing revolutionary treatments for degenerative joint diseases through its proprietary nanotechnology platform, INTRICATE. With hydrocelin as its lead product candidate, Allegro is gearing up for clinical studies later this year, aiming for a commercial launch in 2027.

For more information, visit www.allegro.bio.

The statements contained in this announcement may include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. Allegro undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.