On November 16, 2020 Avvinity Therapeutics Limited ("Avvinity"), an immuno-oncology company developing Alphamer immunotherapies for solid and haematological cancers, reported the appointments of Nick Staples as interim CEO and Jon Moore as Non-Executive Director (Press release, Avvinity Therapeutics, NOV 16, 2020, View Source [SID1234571107]).
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Avvinity’s proprietary Alphamer immunotherapy platform harnesses a novel and powerful immune adaptation found in certain primates (including humans) to selectively kill cancer cells. Having recently attracted early stage funding from LifeArc and the UK Government’s Future Fund, the company is set to deliver key in vivo studies for its novel EGFR targeted Alphamer program, ahead of a planned Series A fundraise in 2021.
As interim CEO, Dr Nick Staples brings strong biotech leadership experience gained over 20 years in private and public life science companies and the capital markets. Nick has a proven track record in all aspects of corporate development, having raised over £150 million in private and public fundraises to date and successfully completed a number of M&A and partnering transactions, start-ups and joint ventures.
Previously, Nick was CEO at Locate Bio where he was responsible for leading a new cell and gene therapy strategy. He also served as CBO at Artios Pharma, a leading DDR oncology company which he helped establish as a venture backed spin out from CRUK, and CBO at TopiVert Pharma, a clinical stage biotech company. Earlier in his career, Nick held senior corporate and business development roles at Vectura plc, SSL International plc and Protherics plc.
Nick Staples, interim CEO said: "I am excited to be joining Avvinity at this crucial time, with forthcoming in vivo results enabling a Series A fundraise in 2021 to progress its lead program to the clinic".
Dr Jon Moore was a co-founder of Avvinity Therapeutics and he has been with the company since its foundation. Jon is currently an Operating Partner at Advent Life Sciences, having previously served as CSO of Horizon Discovery plc and as Head of Biology at Vernalis plc.
Jon Moore, Non-Executive Director said: "Having been part of the Avvinity journey since its inception, I am tremendously excited at the prospect of using Alphamers as novel immunotherapeutics to treat cancers, and also potentially in other diseases in conjunction with partners."
Nick Higgins, Chairman said: "I am delighted that Nick has joined Avvinity as its interim CEO and similarly that Jon will be continuing to support the company as a non-executive director. The company has made tremendous progress over the last 18 months and we are looking forward to receiving key in vivo data for our novel EGFR-targeted Alphamer immunotherapy in the coming months."