Touchlight, a biotechnology developing DNA-based genetic medicines, has appointed Karen Fallen as Chief Executive Officer of Touchlight DNA Services.

Karen will apply her industry experience to further expand Touchlight’s contract manufacturing business, which is delivering GMP materials to third parties developing Covid-19 vaccines. Her responsibilities will include boosting manufacturing capacity and substantially extending the customer base globally.

She joins the companyfrom Lonza, where, as President, Mammalian and Microbial Development and Manufacturing, she led a multi-billion CHF business unit, delivering year over year growth. She has more than thirty years of industry experience, joining Celltech just prior to its acquisition by Lonza Biologics plc. Karen has worked in scientific, commercial and licensing roles of increasing seniority at Lonza Pharma & Biotech. She was appointed President of the business unit that develops and manufactures biotherapeutics for Lonza’s customers in April 2019, overseeing 4,500 staff, working across 10 sites, on three continents. In this role, Karen has successfully managed an aggressive investment plan and led the development of new innovations to support business growth ambitions.

Jonny Ohlson, founder and CEO of Touchlight, said: “To attract a leader of Karen’s calibre to Touchlight points to the tremendous trajectory this business is on. Karen brings with her a wealth of industry experience and I have no doubt she will have a transformative impact on our DNA contract manufacturing offering.”