Francis Crick Institute

FundaMental Pharma Appoints Industry Veteran Dr. Lorenz Mayr as Non-Executive Director

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Medicines Discovery Catapult, Francis Crick Institute, AstraZeneca, Science, Drug discovery, Novartis, Fraunhofer, Patient, IPA, University, GE HealthCare, Biophysics, Fundamental, Investment, Pharmaceutical industry

Lorenz is a highly respected biopharmaceutical executive with extensive experience over the last 30 years in drug discovery, technology and innovation, business growth and financing strategy.

Key Points: 
  • Lorenz is a highly respected biopharmaceutical executive with extensive experience over the last 30 years in drug discovery, technology and innovation, business growth and financing strategy.
  • Lorenz has extensive global experience in pharmaceutical R&D, including positions as Vice President & Global Head at AstraZeneca and Executive Director at Novartis and Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
  • Keno Gutierrez, Chairman of the Board of FundaMental Pharma, commented: “We are excited to share that Lorenz, a seasoned and highly regarded industry leader, has joined our Board of Directors.
  • I am confident that Lorenz`s energy, conceptual guidance and reach will make a difference in advancing FundaMental Pharma`s key program to the next level.”

Global Leaders in Cancer Research and Biotech Join The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research's Scientific Advisory and Industry Advisory Committees

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Molecule, Medicine, Cancer Research UK, FRS, Weill Cornell Medicine, Francis Crick Institute, B cell, Patient, Investment, Children's National Hospital, Therapy, Research, Biotechnology, Genentech, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Committee, Trial of the century, University, University College Hospital, Metastasis, Multiple sclerosis, Drug discovery, MBBS, Chairperson, MD, University College London, Senior, FRCP, University of California, Berkeley, Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Marker beacon, Diagnosis, Lung cancer, Ludwig Cancer Research, University of Pennsylvania, Doctor of Philosophy, BTK, GV (company), Celera Corporation, Pharmaceutical industry

NEW YORK, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing research that transforms the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, proudly announces the appointment of new members to its Scientific Advisory and Industry Advisory Committees.

Key Points: 
  • The committee assists the foundation in reviewing its scientific goals and grant applications, as well as providing strategic advice and support for its research programs and investments.
  • "The outstanding researchers on our advisory committees provide invaluable guidance and insight to help steer its programs toward success and impact."
  • "The Mark Foundation's funding of high-risk, high-impact research is essential in the quest to achieve real breakthroughs in cancer research," said Johanna Joyce, PhD.
  • "I am honored to join the Scientific Advisory Committee, to support the next generations of scientists and projects that will revolutionize treatments for patients."

Absci Appoints Professor Sir Mene Pangalos to its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Neuroscience, Royal Society, Patient, Almirall, Medicine, Science, Francis Crick Institute, University, Executive, Drug discovery, Royal, Drug development, Therapy, Translation, AstraZeneca, Biopharmaceutical

In addition to joining Absci’s Board, Sir Pangalos will co-chair Absci’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Key Points: 
  • In addition to joining Absci’s Board, Sir Pangalos will co-chair Absci’s Scientific Advisory Board.
  • VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Absci (Nasdaq: ABSI), a generative AI drug creation company, today announced the appointment of seasoned R&D executive Professor Sir Menelas “Mene” Pangalos to its Board of Directors and as co-chair of Absci’s Scientific Advisory Board.
  • Sir Pangalos was the Executive Vice President of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca.
  • In his dual role, Sir Pangalos will also co-chair Absci’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Achilles Therapeutics Announces Publication of Nature Cancer ‘Comment’ on Strategy for Improved Neoantigen Immunogenicity Prediction

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 18, 2023
Drug development, ACHL, Francis Crick Institute, Therapy, AI, Artificial intelligence, Nature Cancer, Bias, Algorithm, Vaccine

The article, entitled Breaking the performance ceiling for neoantigen immunogenicity prediction , makes the case that the efficient and accurate selection of immunogenic neoantigens is a critical determinant in neoantigen-based personalized tumor therapies.

Key Points: 
  • The article, entitled Breaking the performance ceiling for neoantigen immunogenicity prediction , makes the case that the efficient and accurate selection of immunogenic neoantigens is a critical determinant in neoantigen-based personalized tumor therapies.
  • The authors of the ‘Comment’ are all researchers affiliated with the DECOD-Ag consortium of which Achilles Therapeutics is a member.
  • Co-author Dr Sergio Quezada, Chief Scientific Officer of Achilles, commented: “Accurate prediction of neoantigen immunogenicity can be pivotal in determining the efficacy of immunological treatments.
  • It is therefore essential that we collaborate to refine our prediction models and improve the precision of our T cell therapies.”

Enhanced Potential of Myricx’s NMT Inhibitor Payloads with Dual Senolytic and Cytotoxic Modes of Action as ADC Cancer Therapies

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 27, 2023
Drug resistance, UKRI, Cellular senescence, Metastasis, Nature Cell Biology, Protein, Medicine, ICS, Research, Chemical biology, Imperial College London, Spacecraft, COPI, CRUK, NMT, ARF1, Cancer, GSK, Notifiable disease, Laboratory, Inflammation, Cell, Phenotype, Medical school, Data, ADC, Francis Crick Institute

Senescent, or so called ‘zombie’ cells, can have deleterious effects on tissue function as they are persistent and secrete many proteins.

Key Points: 
  • Senescent, or so called ‘zombie’ cells, can have deleterious effects on tissue function as they are persistent and secrete many proteins.
  • Small-molecule drugs that selectively eliminate senescent cells, known as senolytics, provide a promising novel strategy for treating multiple diseases, including cancer, fibrotic diseases, and age-related conditions.
  • Overall, the study demonstrated that senescent cells rely on a hyperactive secretory apparatus and that this secretory phenotype is dependent on NMT and inhibiting NMT kills senescent cells.
  • Combined with the cytotoxic effect of NMTis, the senolytic mechanism has the potential to induce deeper and more durable responses in treating tumours than purely cytotoxic payloads.

Myricx Bio Enters into an Exclusive Antibody License Agreement with WuXi Biologics

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Biology, WuXi Biologics, HER2, Imperial College London, NMT, Wuxi, Cancer, Patient, Development, ADC, Sofinnova, Francis Crick Institute, Fine chemical

Myricx intends to progress the ADC through preclinical and clinical development for difficult-to-treat solid tumours.

Key Points: 
  • Myricx intends to progress the ADC through preclinical and clinical development for difficult-to-treat solid tumours.
  • WuXi Bio will receive an upfront payment and will be eligible for development and commercialisation milestone payments, as well as royalties on net sales.
  • This is the second antibody license agreement that Myricx has entered into with a global company in the past few months as the Company builds out its pipeline of NMTi-ADCs.
  • Myricx CEO Dr Robin Carr said, “We are delighted to have reached this agreement with WuXi Bio, one of the top biologics CRDMOs globally.

Myricx Bio Appoints Dr Chris Martin, Biotech Entrepreneur and ADC Pioneer, as Chairman of its Board of Directors

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Aston, Engineering physics, NYSE, NMT, Francis Crick Institute, AstraZeneca, Spacecraft, Therapy, Biology, ADC, CSO, Patient, Sofinnova, MedImmune, Chemical engineering, Chris, Aston University, MBA, Drug discovery, University, Cancer, Imperial College London, IMD, Institution of Chemical Engineers, Knowledge, New York Stock Exchange, Fine chemical, Pharmaceutical industry

Dr Martin is a renowned biotech company founder, director and entrepreneur, and a pioneer and leader in the ADC space.

Key Points: 
  • Dr Martin is a renowned biotech company founder, director and entrepreneur, and a pioneer and leader in the ADC space.
  • Dr Martin was instrumental in co-founding ADC Therapeutics (NYSE: ADCT) in Jan 2012 and served as its CEO since inception until May 2022.
  • Alongside his role as Chairman of Myricx, he is also Chairman of the Board of Tokamak Energy Ltd, and Tagworks Pharmaceuticals BV, and a Director on the Board of Osivax SAS.
  • Dr Robin Carr, Myricx CEO and Board Director, said, “We are thrilled that Chris has joined our Board and taken on the role of Chairman.

Enara Bio, ROME Therapeutics and Nucleome Therapeutics to Host 2nd Annual Dark Genome Symposium

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Dark, Science, Francis Crick Institute, Biotechnology, Genetics, Research, Data science, Genome, Medicine, Immunity, Drug discovery, Disease, Cancer, Therapy, Patient, Pharmaceutical industry, Vaccine

– November 1, 2023 – Enara Bio , ROME Therapeutics and Nucleome Therapeutics , three leading biotechnology companies focused on developing novel medicines driven by insights into the dark genome, today announced that they will host the 2nd Annual Dark Genome Symposium on November 13-14, 2023 at the Francis Crick Institute in London.

Key Points: 
  • – November 1, 2023 – Enara Bio , ROME Therapeutics and Nucleome Therapeutics , three leading biotechnology companies focused on developing novel medicines driven by insights into the dark genome, today announced that they will host the 2nd Annual Dark Genome Symposium on November 13-14, 2023 at the Francis Crick Institute in London.
  • The overall goal of the symposium, now in its second year, is to deepen our understanding of the dark genome and unlock its potential to enable transformational new therapies for patients.
  • Proceedings of the 1st Annual Dark Genome Symposium, held in November 2022 in Boston, Mass., have been submitted for publication.
  • Danuta Jeziorska, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer & Co-founder of Nucleome, added: “We are delighted to be joining Enara Bio and ROME Therapeutics in co-hosting this year’s Dark Genome Symposium.

Automata Technologies: Joe Stringer appointed Executive Chairman & Director of Corporate Development (EMEA)

Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 6, 2023
Biotechnology, Technology, Manufacturing, Health, Pharmaceutical, Robotics, Research, Engineering, Science, Machinery, Electronic Design Automation, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Francis Crick Institute, Octopus Group, Investment, Drug development, Ernst, NHS, Growth, Google Health, Ernst & Young, Royal Marsden Hospital, Corporate development, Holland & Barrett, Patient, Automation, Management, Pharmaceutical industry, Automaton

Automata Technologies (‘Automata’ or the ‘Company’), a leading automation company powering life sciences labs, has appointed Joe Stringer Executive Chairman and Director of Corporate Development for the UK and EMEA.

Key Points: 
  • Automata Technologies (‘Automata’ or the ‘Company’), a leading automation company powering life sciences labs, has appointed Joe Stringer Executive Chairman and Director of Corporate Development for the UK and EMEA.
  • Joe joins Automata from Octopus Ventures where he was most recently Head of Healthtech Investments.
  • Through his role at Octopus Ventures, Joe has been involved with Automata since January 2022 as an investor and Investor Director, and remains on the Board of Directors.
  • Mostafa Elsayed, Founder and CEO of Automata, commented:
    "It is great to welcome Joe to the Automata family full-time.

Personalis Launches NeXT Personal® Dx for Early Access Clinical Use in Residual Disease and Recurrence Detection in Cancer

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Biotechnology, Health, Oncology, EAP, Francis Crick Institute, University College London, ESMO, Medicare, Physician, Lung cancer, LDT, MD, Congress, Special access program, Access, UCL, Genomics, Recurrence, MRD, Breast cancer, Immunotherapy, PSNL, NeXT, Cancer, European Society for Medical Oncology, Patient, Neoplasm, DNA, Medical imaging, Chief Justice of Hungary

(Nasdaq: PSNL), a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology, announced today the launch of the Early Access Program for NeXT Personal Dx, a tumor-informed, whole genome-based liquid biopsy laboratory developed test (LDT) for detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) and recurrence in cancer.

Key Points: 
  • (Nasdaq: PSNL), a leader in advanced genomics for precision oncology, announced today the launch of the Early Access Program for NeXT Personal Dx, a tumor-informed, whole genome-based liquid biopsy laboratory developed test (LDT) for detection of molecular residual disease (MRD) and recurrence in cancer.
  • “We’re excited to work with oncologists through this Early Access Program to detect cancer even earlier and increase confidence in clinical decisions.
  • The EAP will enable oncologists to access NeXT Personal Dx for clinical use, with a focus on lung cancer, breast cancer, and immunotherapy response monitoring.
  • Personalis also recently announced data from the groundbreaking TRACERx study investigating the use of NeXT Personal in early-stage lung cancer for MRD and recurrence detection.