Avacta Group plc, a life sciences company developing innovative, targeted oncology drugs and powerful diagnostics, appointed of Karen Harrison as chief operating officer of its therapeutics division.

Harrison will be responsible for supporting the research and development functions across Avacta’s therapeutics division, with a focus exclusively on creating maximum value for the group’s stakeholders.

Latest clinical data for the company’s lead pre|CISION program, AVA6000, has demonstrated its ongoing very favorable safety profile and tumor-targeting potential, with patients in cohort 4 of the dose-escalation phase I trial experiencing a marked reduction in the incidence and severity of the typical toxicities associated with standard doxorubicin chemotherapy administration.

Harrison joins Avacta with more than 30 years’ experience managing complex global B2C organizations; designing, planning and implementing strategies, plans and procedures, with a focus on operational excellence, promotion of company culture and vision, and continuous improvement.

Within the last 15 years, she has undertaken senior positions predominantly within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, including vice president for talent at Astellas Pharma.

In addition, Harrison has grown private equity-backed businesses, with a focus on value creation through expansion, partnerships, and acquisitions. She also has significant experience of successfully delivering business transformation and integration, globally, in competitive, consumer-focused environments.

Alastair Smith, CEO of Avacta Group plc, said: “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 strategize and prioritize Avacta’s operational requirements, establish achievable performance measures and set comprehensive 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.”

“Avacta is a pioneer of next-generation cancer therapies, and I’m delighted to join and support the company’s vision to revolutionize the treatability of solid tumors,” said Harrison. “The therapeutics division is at such a pivotal stage, with the latest clinical data for AVA6000 confirming the tumor-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.”