Avacta Group, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing cancer therapies and diagnostics based on its proprietary Affimer and pre|CISION platforms, has announced the appointment of Dr Fiona McLaughlin as CSO of its therapeutics division.
McLaughlin is a highly experienced oncology drug developer, bringing more than 25 years’ experience in research and translational drug development in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, having led teams from early research through to clinical development. She started her career at GlaxoSmithKline and has subsequently held leadership positions in multiple biotech companies including VP, Translational Research at Antisoma and Director of Pre-clinical Development at BTG (now part of Boston Scientific).
Most recently, McLaughlin was VP of New Opportunities at Algeta, a Norwegian biotech developing alpha radio-pharmaceuticals, that gained FDA approval of Xofigo to treat castration resistant prostate cancer.
Fiona has also gained broad experience during her career as a Consultant, providing scientific and strategic advice to biotechs, not-for-profit organisations, and venture capitalists in UK, Europe, USA and Australia, including helping drive oncology strategy at the CRUK/AstraZeneca Alliance Laboratory. Fiona received a PhD from the Haematology Department at Cambridge University and has a BSc in Biochemistry from Glasgow University.
Dr Alastair Smith, CEO of Avacta Group, commented: “We are delighted to have Fiona McLaughlin join us as Chief Scientific Officer of our therapeutics division. Fiona is a seasoned drug developer with an outstanding track record in developing oncology drug candidates and taking them into clinical development.”
Dr Fiona McLaughlin, CSO, Therapeutics Division, commented: "I am delighted to join Avacta’s Therapeutics Division at this pivotal time, as the company transitions to become a clinical stage development organisation.”
