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Roquefort Therapeutics unveils advisory board

Biotechnology company Roquefort Therapeutics has announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

With the company's focus on the market niche of the cancers that are resistant to existing medicines, developing innovative, patented medicines to target novel cancer targets or immunotherapies to enhance the body's anti-cancer response, the SAB will initially comprise Professor Jo Martin, Professor Trevor Jones and Professor Armand Keating, who together are a team of researchers, biopharmaceutical innovators and clinicians with an emphasis on linking pre-clinical research, clinical trials, production of medicines and the care of patients.

Roquefort Therapeutics aims to use its drug development expertise to complete pre-clinical development to reach valuation milestones for licensing transactions or sale of a clinical program. The company recently granted an exclusive worldwide licence (excluding Japan) for a period of ten years for Randox to utilise its Midkine antibodies (pictured) in the field of medical diagnostics. Randox and Roquefort Therapeutics will engage in collaborative research programs to identify new cancer diagnostics that will be treatable with the company’s Midkine therapeutics.

The SAB will work closely with the Company's Group Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Sir Martin Evans to provide scientific guidance on the company's strategy as it approaches key pre-clinical milestones and its approach to clinical trials.

Professor Jo Martin is Professor of Pathology and Deputy Vice Principal Health at Queen Mary, University of London and National Speciality Advisor Pathology NHS England and Improvement.  Previously Professor Martin was National Clinical Director of Pathology for NHS England April 2013-16, and President of the Royal College of Pathologists from November 2017-2020, and is now National Specialty Advisor for Pathology for NHS England and Improvement, chairing the national Pathology Board and the national Pathology Workforce Board.

Professor Trevor Jones CBE has been a scientific advisor to Roquefort Therapeutics since February 2022. He has had a distinguished career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry spanning over 45 years, having previously been main Board Director for Research & Development at The Wellcome Foundation. During Professor Jones's career, he has served on the Boards of a number of other private and publicly listed companies and industry bodies across the UK, USA and Europe. For 12 years he was a member of The UK Government Regulatory Agency, The Medicines Commission and Chair of the UK Government Advisory Group on Genetics Research. 

Professor Armand Keating has been an independent medical advisor to Roquefort Therapeutics since September 2022. He is an internationally recognised leader in blood and marrow transplantation and cell therapy. He is a Professor of Medicine and of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Toronto. Previously Prof. Keating was President of the American Society of Hematology and President of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. His research and clinical interests focus on cell-based tissue regeneration, anti-cancer cell therapy, and blood and marrow transplantation.

Roquefort Therapeutics Group Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Sir Martins Evans said, "I am looking forward to working with Professors Jo Martin, Trevor Jones and Armand Keating who have a wealth of experience in medical research and drug development. Each member of the SAB brings unrivalled scientific expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as we progress our novel anti-cancer programs. The formation of the Roquefort Therapeutics Scientific Advisory Board is an important step forward for the company in what is an exciting period."

 

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Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
23-28 March, 2024

Pathology Horizons 2024

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
18-20 April, 2024

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The Catalyst, Newcastle upon Tyne
19 April, 2024

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Fira Gran Via, 08038 Barcelona, Spain
27-30 April 2024

British Society for Microbial Technology Annual Microbiology Conference

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2 May 2024

EQA Reports: Interpreting Key Information & Troubleshooting Tips

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