Race Oncology Ltd (ASX:RAC) has appointed internationally experienced biopharmaceutical executive Dr Michelle Rashford to the position of chief medical officer (CMO), taking over from Interim CMO, Dr Ajay Duggal.
The former physician is expert in the successful development and commercialisation of pharmaceuticals across oncology, virology, and immunology and will be a strong leader for the company as it continues to develop Phase 2/3 cancer drug Zantrene®.
“This is a significant appointment for Race and given that, we have taken the time to ensure we found the right person,” Race Oncology CEO and managing director Damian Clarke-Bruce said.
“Dr Rashford brings with her vast experience in global clinical development and medical affairs, including more than 20 years of experience specifically in the oncology field. She is a highly respected leader and we look forward to maximising her expertise as we progress our clinical program.
:Dr Rashford will be critical in optimising our trial design, advancing our clinical engagement, and establishing a strong data and publication strategy, while also enhancing our governance and global reputation amongst the international oncology and cardio-oncology community.”
Zantrene is a potent inhibitor of the Fatso/Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein. Overexpression of FTO has been shown to be the genetic driver of a diverse range of cancers and Race is exploring the use of Zantrene as a new therapy for melanoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which are both frequent FTO over-expressing cancers.
The company has also discovered that Zantrene protects from anthracycline-induced heart damage, while acting in tandem with anthracyclines and proteasome inhibitors to improve their ability to target cancer. Further to this, there is compelling clinical data for Zantrene as a chemotherapeutic agent and it is in multiple clinical trials in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
About Dr Rashford
Dr Rashford brings 25+ years of drug development experience to Race that spans large pharmaceuticals to smaller biotech companies and includes pre-clinical and clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs, and drug commercialisation.
She is currently working with Japanese Pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin, where she has been the Head of Global Clinical Sciences.
Prior to her role at Kyowa Kirin, Dr Rashford was the Senior Vice President of Clinical Science at Adlai Nortye Biopharma, where she successfully grew the US Clinical Development team and prepared for the company’s Phase 3 trial.
Dr Rashford has previously held senior roles with Bristol-Myers Squibb and close to 20 years at Roche in a variety of national and global clinical development roles.
Dr Rashford said, “Race Oncology is an exciting company, and I am delighted to be joining its team of exceptional scientists at a pivotal time in the company’s progression. I see great global potential for Race’s lead asset and I am committed to harnessing these opportunities to positively impact the lives of patients around the world.
"I look forward to working closely with interim CMO, Dr Ajay Duggal over the coming months for a seamless transition, and I’m confident Dr Duggal and the Adnovate team will continue to be excellent clinical partners moving forward, just as they have been over the last six months.”