Poolbeg adds Daniel Hoft to scientific advisory board

Clinical-stage infectious disease pharmaceutical company Poolbeg announced the appointment of Daniel Hoft to its scientific advisory board on Thursday.

The AIM-traded firm said Hoft is the Dianna and J. Joseph Adorjan-endowed Chair of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Director of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy and Immunology at the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Medicine.

It said he had been working in immunology and infectious diseases for 32 years, and had published more than 140 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Hoft would join the scientific advisory board alongside Elaine Sullivan and Luke O'Neill, and with an “extensive background” in infectious disease, immunology and vaccinology, would help to guide the company on its asset development programmes.

He would also work with the company to scout for prospective in-licencing opportunities.

“Professor Hoft is a great addition to the Poolbeg scientific advisory board, joining Dr Elaine Sullivan and professor Luke O'Neill,” said chief executive officer Jeremy Skillington.

“His expertise in infectious disease, particularly with severe influenza and vaccine development will be invaluable as we develop Poolbeg's pipeline of assets.”

Dr Skillington said he would also work with the company to scout for prospective assets to in-licence and develop.

“Professor Hoft is a widely-respected specialist within our industry, and we look forward to working with him as we continue our growth journey.”

At 1136 GMT, shares in Poolbeg Pharma were down 0.26% at 9.73p.