Oxfordshire, UK (July 17, 2019) — Karus Therapeutics Ltd (‘Karus’), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision medicines for cancer, today announced the appointment of Dr Hilary McElwaine-Johnn, MD as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) with immediate effect.
Dr McElwaine-Johnn is a Physician with over 25 years’ experience in drug development, most recently as CMO at cancer gene therapy company PsiOxus. She has a track record in delivering small molecules and biologics through multiple phases of development and across varied therapeutic areas including immunotherapeutics and vaccines for influenza, chronic viral diseases and cancer. Prior to joining PsiOxus in 2015, Hilary was CMO at Vantia Therapeutics (2008-2015) and Vice President Clinical at PowderMed (2004-2008).
Hilary completed her BSc and medical degrees at Imperial College London and St Mary’s Hospital Medical School respectively and is now a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine.
Commenting on the appointment, Tim Edwards, Karus’ Executive Chairman, said:
“Attracting a CMO of Hilary’s calibre to our leadership team, underlines the continued transition that Karus is making from a research-led to clinical-led company. As an experienced CMO with an impressive track record in drug development, Hilary brings new skills to our team, which will be vital as we work towards completing our Phase I studies and progressing our two clinical stage assets into Phase IB/2 trials.”
Dr Hilary McElwaine-Johnn, MD, newly appointed CMO, added:
“I am joining Karus at a particularly exciting time. I see great potential in the two clinical assets, with novel modes of action, which the Company has worked diligently to develop from concept to clinic, as well as its next-generation HDAC6-targeted R&D programme. I look forward to working alongside the existing team, to advance the Company through its next phase, and ultimately to deliver transformative cancer therapeutics to patients.”
About Karus Therapeutics
Karus Therapeutics, based in Oxfordshire, UK, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing precision medicines for cancer. The Company’s orally-active, small molecule drugs combine targeted and immunotherapeutic mechanisms of action for the treatment of cancer patients with clear unmet medical need and limited treatment options. Karus has two small molecule clinical candidates in Phase I studies, KA2507 and KA2237. The Company is privately-held and is supported by a world-leading syndicate of life science investors from the US and Europe: SV Health Investors, New Leaf Ventures, Novo A/S and IP Group. For further information please visit: www.karustherapeutics.com, or connect with us via LinkedIn.
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