Avacta Group PLC - Wetherby, England-based life sciences company developing oncology drugs and diagnostics - Appoints Christina Coughlin as head of research and development. Coughlin, who will take up the position on February 1, has served as a non-executive director of Avacta since March 2022 and was appointed consultant in interim in September 2023. She previously served as chief executive officer of Cytoimmune Therapeutics LLC, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on novel cancer immunotherapy products. In the new role, Coughlin will oversee clinical and pre-clinical research and development activities for the company’s therapeutics division, while retaining her position on as an executive director of Avacta. The company says that Coughlin has been ‘pivotal’ in the development strategy for its AVA6000 tumour-targeted therapy.

Chief Executive Officer Alastair Smith said: ‘I am delighted that Chris will assume the full-time role of head of research and development. Chris brings deep oncology research and development expertise combined with trans-Atlantic C-level experience from which the entire business will benefit as we evolve from a research organisation to one led by a strong clinical focus.’

Avacta also announces that Fiona McLaughlin will step down as chief scientific officer of the therapeutics division after three years in the role. McLaughlin will continue to work with the company during a transitionary period.

Current stock price: 104.16 pence each, down 0.3% in London Friday morning.

12-month change: down 33%

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