Highlights
Race Oncology appoints Dr Jose Iglesias as Chief Medical Officer and Dr Simon Fisher as Vice President of Clinical.
RC220 development progresses with a focus on solid tumours and acute myeloid leukaemia.
The leadership expansion supports Race Oncology’s transition toward advanced clinical stages.
Race Oncology Ltd (ASX:RAC), listed under the healthcare segment of the asx 200 index, has announced key additions to its executive team as it advances the clinical development of RC220, a lead oncology candidate aimed at solid tumours and acute myeloid leukaemia. The biotechnology company operates within the Australian pharmaceuticals and life sciences landscape.
Leadership Expansion for Clinical Strategy Execution
The company has named Dr Jose Iglesias as Chief Medical Officer and Dr Simon Fisher as Vice President of Clinical. These appointments reflect Race Oncology’s progress toward late-stage development and readiness for broader clinical execution. Dr Iglesias steps into the role following the departure of Dr Michelle Rashford, while Dr Fisher’s position is newly established.
Dr Iglesias brings extensive experience from his roles in prominent pharmaceutical organisations. His past involvement includes overseeing clinical programs at several international biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical leaders. His contributions will be provided in a consulting capacity from Canada, ensuring continued strategic input into RC220’s clinical journey.
Dr Jose Iglesias: Oncology-Focused Experience
Dr Iglesias has held senior medical leadership positions across global pharmaceutical operations, where he played a part in advancing various oncology therapies. His tenure at companies such as Abraxis BioScience and Celgene included contributions to well-known cancer treatment programs. His work in oncology drug development spans therapeutic indications relevant to RC220’s focus areas.
With over three decades in oncology clinical leadership, Dr Iglesias is expected to collaborate closely with internal teams to support RC220’s ongoing early-phase and translational development objectives. His presence aligns with Race Oncology’s continued work on reformulated bisantrene-based therapies.
Dr Simon Fisher: Oversight of Clinical Strategy and Partnerships
Dr Simon Fisher joins the company with a background in clinical affairs and pharmaceutical operations. His career includes leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He has played a part in the development and release of various therapies and medical technologies.
Operating from Sydney, Dr Fisher will oversee the execution of RC220’s clinical strategy while managing external partnerships that support its advancement. His responsibilities extend across coordination of trial protocols, strategic collaboration, and alignment with commercial planning.
Corporate Transition and Acknowledgements
Race Oncology’s Chief Executive Officer Daniel Tillett acknowledged the contributions of outgoing CMO Dr Michelle Rashford and emphasised the importance of the new appointments in the context of the company’s broader ambitions within the oncology space. The changes in leadership reflect the ongoing transition from early-stage discovery toward more advanced clinical frameworks.
The company continues to focus on RC220, a refined version of bisantrene developed with the objective of treating solid tumours and blood-related cancers while addressing challenges such as cardiotoxicity. These advancements are in line with the company’s positioning within the healthcare sector of the ASX.
Strategic Focus on RC220 Development
RC220 remains central to Race Oncology’s pipeline as it seeks to support therapeutic innovation in the oncology field. The molecule’s design incorporates modifications aimed at increasing therapeutic response while addressing safety considerations.
Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) continues to build infrastructure that supports advanced clinical research and long-term development planning. The recent leadership appointments represent a strategic move within the broader healthcare segment of the asx 200, reflecting the company’s evolving operational focus.