Avacta Group Strengthens Leadership with Oncology Expert Michelle Morrow

Key Points:

1. Dr. Michelle Morrow, an experienced oncology expert, has been appointed as Chief Scientific Officer at Avacta Group.
2. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in oncology therapeutics and antibody research, including leadership roles at invoX Pharma, F-star Therapeutics, and MedImmune/AstraZeneca.
3. Her expertise will be crucial as Avacta focuses on advancing its oncology therapeutics pipeline and developing innovative cancer treatments.

Avacta Group plc (LSE:AVCT), a life sciences company focused on developing innovative oncology therapeutics, has announced the appointment of Dr. Michelle Morrow as its new Chief Scientific Officer, effective November 4, 2024. With nearly two decades of experience in oncology therapeutics and antibody research, Dr. Morrow will play a pivotal role in Avacta’s leadership as the company deepens its focus on therapeutics and strengthens its position in the biotech sector.

Dr. Morrow’s distinguished career in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries has equipped her with a wealth of expertise, particularly in the fields of oncology and antibody development. She joins Avacta from invoX Pharma, where she served as Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of invoX Therapeutics Innovation. During her tenure, she led a discovery and preclinical research team formed after the acquisition of F-star Therapeutics, where she also held a senior leadership position.

At F-star Therapeutics, Dr. Morrow made significant contributions to the advancement of bispecific antibody candidates from discovery to clinical trials. Her leadership in biology and translational research functions played a key role in F-star’s success in developing new cancer therapies. Prior to joining F-star, she was instrumental in establishing an immuno-oncology preclinical modeling group at MedImmune, supporting projects across MedImmune’s and AstraZeneca’s portfolios.

Dr. Morrow’s experience extends to high-profile roles as a Discovery Project Leader. Notably, she led the development of Imfinzi® (durvalumab), a PD-L1 antibody that has been approved for cancer treatment, and volrustomig, a bispecific antibody targeting both PD-1 and CTLA-4, which are key immune checkpoints in cancer immunotherapy.

Her extensive background in oncology, particularly in immuno-oncology and translational research, positions her as a valuable asset for Avacta Group. As the company transitions into a more therapeutics-centered biotech, Dr. Morrow’s leadership is expected to be instrumental in advancing its drug development pipeline and driving the discovery of novel cancer therapies.

Driving Avacta’s Therapeutic Vision

Avacta has been progressively transforming into a therapeutics-focused company, with a primary focus on oncology. The company’s pipeline of targeted oncology drugs, including the proprietary Affimer® platform, has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment. Dr. Morrow’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as Avacta aims to accelerate the development of its therapeutic assets and deliver targeted treatments that can improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Morrow’s appointment reflects Avacta’s commitment to bolstering its scientific leadership and advancing its mission to create innovative oncology drugs. Her track record of successfully leading preclinical and clinical research initiatives at major biotech and pharmaceutical companies aligns with Avacta’s strategic objectives to expand its therapeutics portfolio.