Wetherby-based life sciences company Avacta Group has appointed Michelle Morrow as Chief Scientific Officer with effect from 4 November.

Morrow brings nearly 20 years’ experience in oncology therapeutics and antibody research at biotech and pharmaceutical companies. Avacta said she will fill a key role in the management team as the company evolves into a therapeutics-focused biotech. 

The company is currently developing its platform, which it calls ‘pre|CISION’, that can deliver cancer drugs directly to tumours while minimizing exposure to normal tissues and decreasing side effects. 

Morrow most recently served at invoX Pharma as Senior Vice President, Head of invoX Therapeutics Innovation, leading a discovery and preclinical research team that was established following the Company’s acquisition of F-star Therapeutics, where she held the position of SVP, Head of Research.

 Christina Coughlin, Chief Executive Officer of Avacta, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the team, she brings decades of experience in translating early science into innovative and effective medicines for patients. Michelle’s scientific leadership is exemplified by an outstanding track record in advancing novel oncology candidates from target validation through preclinical research to Phase 2 clinical proof-of-concept. Michelle will be a significant asset to the Avacta team in driving our programs forward and we look forward to benefiting from her wealth of expertise.”

 Morrow said: “The progress made in the AVA6000 clinical trial, and the potential of the pre|CISION platform are very exciting. I look forward to leveraging my experience in oncology drug development to help further drive the Company’s pipeline and explore the full potential of our therapies to benefit patients’ lives.” 

Morrow earned her PhD in Immunology from the University of Cambridge, UK and conducted post-doctoral research into childhood leukaemia at the Institute of Child Health, London.