Senior role supports ambitious commercialisation strategy

Following its $10 million Series A financing  in July 2023, Camena Bioscience has appointed Dr Nicola Thompson as Chair of its Board of Directors as part of plans for commercial expansion of its DNA synthesis platform, gSynth™.  

Experienced in developing and commercialising technologies and therapeutic modalities, Nicola was founding CEO of Amphista Therapeutics, overseeing Series A & B funding rounds and establishing company partnerships with a combined deal value of more than $2 billion. Prior to Amphista, she was Chair of the Board at Nanna Therapeutics, playing a key role in corporate development and its successful acquisition by Astellas. Nicola also held senior leadership roles at Roche, where she built and led pRED’s external drug discovery organisation and in business development at GSK. She received a PhD in Cell Biology from University College London.

Dr Steve Harvey, CEO, Camena Bioscience said: "Nicola is a successful CEO and Chair and a fantastic addition to the Board. Camena Bioscience enables researchers to ‘write’ DNA with the same confidence and ease with which we can ‘read’ DNA. Our highly accurate DNA synthesis technology, called gSynth, provides access to gene sequences that scientists previously could not obtain. This accelerates our customers' discovery timelines and allows them to produce potentially new therapeutics they previously couldn't. With Pharma's increased focus and collective commitment to decarbonising health systems, Camena is leading the way with a green synthesis technology focused on reducing waste associated with traditional DNA synthesis methods. Our proposition is disrupting the existing DNA synthesis market."

Nicola Thompson, said: “I am delighted to join the Company as its Chair at this pivotal stage of growth. The leadership team are recognised pioneers in the field and the existing Board has an impressive array of investment and entrepreneurial experience, which will collectively support Camena on their scale-up journey.”

Adding that she looked forward to working with the team she also commented on the company’s “uniquely differentiated technology to address the limitations of traditional DNA synthesis approaches.”

More information online