Appointments

Harrison has over 30 years’ experience in high level roles. In the last 15 years, she has held senior positions in the healthcare and life sciences industries, for example as vice president for talent at Astellas Pharma. In her new role, Harrison will be responsible for R&D across Avacta’s therapeutics division, focusing exclusively on ensuring maximum value for the company’s stakeholders.

Dr Alastair Smith, chief executive officer at Avacta Group plc, commented: “Karen’s industry experience is extensive, we’re really pleased to welcome her as chief operating officer of our Therapeutics Division. Karen’s guidance to strategise and prioritise Avacta’s operational requirements, establish achievable performancemeasuresandsetcomprehensive goals for the Therapeutics’ business growth and success will benefit the division greatly and help shape its future strategy as we continue our mission to transform treatment outcomes for cancer patients.”

Speaking on her new position, Karen Harrison, said: “Avacta is a pioneer of next-generation cancer therapies, and I’m delighted to join and support the company’s vision to revolutionise the treatability of solid tumours. The Therapeutics Division is at such a pivotal stage, with the latest clinical data for AVA6000 confirming the tumour-targeting potential of our pre|CISION technology. I look forward to the opportunity to help drive our promising platforms further in the clinic and ultimately improve the lives of patients suffering from cancer.”