Apitope Appoints Dr Martin Sims as Research Director
Martin will focus on the strategic scientific planning for the generation and validation of novel targets within the autoimmune and allergic diseases therapeutic areas. His key responsibilities include portfolio development; overseeing the creation, development, design and commercial implementation of the company’s research programmes; and building partnerships and relationships with the global scientific community.
Martin brings with him over twenty years’ experience of drug discovery research in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong background in immunology. Prior to joining Apitope, Martin held a number of roles at GlaxoSmithKline from 2000 to 2010, most recently as a Director in Medicines Discovery and Development. He has led multiple projects, in both therapeutic antibody and NCE projects in the inflammation and autoimmune therapeutic areas. Martin was Head of the Immunology Department and then the Rheumatoid Arthritis Pharmacology Department in the Respiratory and Inflammation Drug Discovery group at GlaxoSmithKline between 2002 and 2007; a Section Head in GlaxoWellcome 1995-2000 and a Research Scientist at the Wellcome Foundation in the period 1990 - 1995.
Commenting on Martin’s appointment, Dr. Keith Martin, CEO of Apitope, said:
“Martin has extensive experience in immunology and inflammation with a proven track record of leading both projects and line-managed groups to deliver successful drug discovery programmes. His broad experience will be invaluable in maximising the potential of our technology platform, and leading optimisation of candidate peptides through to the early clinical phases of drug development will be vital as we drive forward our growth strategy. Both Prof. Wraith and I are very pleased to have attracted an established successful scientist from big pharma to join the team at Apitope; we look forward to building our innovative pipeline further”
Dr. Martin Sims, Research Director at Apitope, said:
“I am excited to be joining Apitope as it enters a critical stage of its growth. Apitope has an impressive track record of designing therapeutic peptides and pipeline of potential therapies to selectively treat the underlying cause of a range of autoimmune diseases. Apitope’s technology platform has huge potential; the agreement with Merck Serono to develop ATX-MS-1467 for multiple sclerosis is evidence of the platform’s ability. I look forward to working with such an experienced management team in driving the company forward.”
Martin has a PhD in immunology from the University of Cambridge and a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham.
Martin’s appointment as Research Director follows that of Dr. Hayley French as Commercial Director in November 2010
For further information:
Apitope International N.V. Dr. Keith Martin, CEO +44 (0)117 920 0062 keith.martin@apitope.com Capital MS&L
Mary Clark, Head of Life Sciences +44 20 7307 5330 mary.clark@capitalmsl.com
About Apitope
Apitope is a European biotechnology company focusing on the discovery and development of revolutionary disease modifying therapies for treating autoimmune and allergic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, and Graves’ disease. It has headquarters in Hasselt, Belgium and a subsidiary in Bristol, UK.
The Company is developing potential therapies to selectively treat the underlying cause of a range of autoimmune diseases rather than simply treat the disease symptoms or non-specifically suppress the whole immune system.
Its patented, leading edge, high speed discovery platform enables it to identify and design innovative peptide-based therapies and diagnostics and it has an impressive pipeline of products in development.
Apitope has a highly experienced management team, with a proven track record in discovering and developing innovative therapeutics. Its lead product for treating multiple sclerosis is in Phase I development and is partnered with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
For more information, please go to www.apitope.com
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