Crescendo Reaffirms a new Oncology Focus

Crescendo Biologics Ltd, which discovered and developed Humabody^TM  V_H therapeutics has announced Dr Kevin Johnson as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. This reinforces a recent strategic move by the company into oncology drug discovery and development, which also saw the appointment of Dr Peter Pack as the new CEO.

Dr. Johnson brings 27 years of antibody development experience, notably as ex-CTO of Cambridge Antibody Technology and ex-CEO of Pangenetics (acquired by Abbott in 2009). Since 2003 he has been on the Life Sciences team of Index Ventures, focusing on drug development companies.

“Kevin is a highly seasoned executive to head up our Board of Directors as we move the focus of the Company into the field of Oncology,” said Peter Pack.  “His past experience is very relevant – from Cambridge Antibody Technologies where he was responsible for its antibody platform technologies to Pangenetics which specialised in taking antibodies from the late research stage through to clinical proof of concept. His input has already proved instrumental to the planning of our new strategy.”

Kevin Johnson added: “Crescendo Biologics has a very promising pipeline in development based on its unique Humabodies™ platform. The Company is at an exciting inflection point, expanding its oncology pipeline by targeting a range of cancer indications with its multi-specific checkpoint modulators and its Humabody™ Drug Conjugates.”

Graziano Seghezzi, Non-Executive Director of Crescendo Biologics, added:
”Kevin’s long-standing interest and experience of drug and antibody development and his expertise in the antibody arena is going to be crucial to us as we grow. On behalf of the Board, I welcome him and look forward to working closely together.”