Fusion Antibodies forms new scientific advisory panel

The AIM-traded firm said the panel, which met for the first time this week, comprises “key opinion leaders” and specialists in the fields of antibody engineering and services.

It said the first appointments to the panel included Matthew Baker of NeoPhore, professor Terry Rabbitts of the Institute of Cancer Research, and professor Charlotte Deane of the University of Oxford.

Fusion said Dr Baker had more than 20 years of experience in developing biologics in biotech and pharma companies, and is a research expert in B- and T-cell immunology, including drug immunogenicity.

He was the chief scientific officer of Abzena until 2016, and previously held a non-executive director role at Oxgene.

Dr Baker is currently the chief executive officer of NeoPhore, a private company focussed on the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapies to treat cancer through stimulation of the immune system.

Fusion said he would bring “detailed” immunology and virus-based mammalian display knowledge to the panel, as well as industry and market insight.

Professor Terry Rabbitts, meanwhile, is a professor of immunology at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, where he focuses on developing technologies using intracellular antibody fragments and small molecule derivatives, mainly aimed at targeting chromosomal translocation protein products.

He is the ex-chair of Cambridge Antibody Technology's scientific advisory board, holding that position from launch until its initial public offering in London, and is currently an advisor to several start-up biotech companies.

Rabbitts is also co-founder of both Orbit Discovery and Quadrucept Bio.

Finally, Fusion said Charlotte Deane is a professor of structural bioinformatics at the University of Oxford.

Her research in the Oxford Protein Informatics Group covered several areas in protein structure and interaction networks, combining both theoretical and empirical analysis.

The company said her “detailed expertise” meant she would bring structural modelling, bioinformatics and library design experience to the panel, as well as an insight key to the development of future machine learning algorithms.

“I am delighted to welcome such a highly esteemed panel of industry leaders and experts in the field of antibody engineering and services,” said Fusion Antibodies CEO Richard Jones.

“The appointment of these three industry experts adds a depth of expertise to our newly created SAP who will provide Fusion with relevant and informed technical and scientific counsel and broadens our access to a network of clinical and scientific advisors, as well as academic collaborators.

“Each member brings unique qualities to Fusion, and we are looking forward to drawing on their individual experiences as we continue our research and development programs and pipeline - we are delighted to welcome them to the team.”

At 1145 GMT, shares in Fusion Antibodies were up 1.4% at 109p.