CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH, United Kingdom, Jan. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concept Life Sciences, a leading global contract research organization (CRO) specialising in integrated drug discovery, development, and analytical services, today announced the appointment of Dr Adam Davenport as Chief Scientific Officer to spearhead its integrated drug discovery offering for biotech and pharmaceutical partners.
Bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience in life sciences and partnership management, Dr Davenport’s appointment reinforces the company’s commitment to providing world-class scientific leadership to its collaborators. As an authority in his field, he has authored over 60 patents, publications, and external presentations.
Most recently, Dr Davenport served as Chief Discovery Officer at Proxygen, where he led the development of molecular glue degraders. Prior to joining Proxygen, he led oncology-focussed discovery collaborations at Dalriada Drug Discovery, where he served as Chief R&D Officer. His career is also highlighted by almost two decades at Evotec, where he rose to the position of Executive Vice President, Head of Molecular Discovery. He has a PhD in Organometallic Chemistry from the University of Leicester.
Dr Davenport is a seasoned "drug hunter" with an exceptional track record of moving complex programs from initial concept through to clinical evaluation. He has successfully led the discovery of several clinical assets, including P2X3R antagonists, Eliapixant and Filopixant, which achieved Phase 2a Proof-of-Concept in persistent chronic cough. He also discovered the Bradykinin B1R antagonist Fulimetibant that progressed into Phase 2a trials for diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP).
"We are delighted to welcome Adam to the team during this period of significant growth for Concept Life Sciences," said Jonathan Critchley, interim CEO of Concept Life Sciences. "His passion for science, track record in delivering clinical quality assets, and proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams across the UK, Europe, and the US, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our integrated discovery facilities and deliver valuable inflexion points for our global clients," he added.
Dr Adam Davenport, Chief Scientific Officer, commented on his appointment, "Concept Life Sciences has built an incredible reputation for scientific excellence and agile project execution. I’m excited to join such a talented team and look forward to supporting customers in effectively navigating the complexities of drug discovery across all modalities to bring the most effective life-changing therapies to patients, more quickly."
As a pioneer in targeted protein degradation (TPD) and covalent drug discovery, Dr Davenport is an expert in innovative modalities. He has specialised knowledge in target classes such as GPCRs, ion channels, kinases, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs). His expertise spans a wealth of therapy areas including pain, oncology, inflammation, women’s health, metabolic disorders and neuroscience.
About Concept Life Sciences
Concept Life Sciences is a leading contract research organisation (CRO) serving the global life sciences industry. For over 25 years, Concept Life Sciences, and its heritage companies, have provided consultative, and collaborative, drug discovery and development services. Our approach, supported by passionate scientists and world-leading capabilities, enables us to overcome complex scientific challenges across a broad range of therapeutic areas, improving success rates for translating innovations into viable therapeutics. To date, Concept Life Sciences has successfully helped 29 candidates advance to the clinic.
The company offers sophisticated translational biology services coupled with exceptional end-to-end chemistry capabilities offering concept to clinic solutions. Across modalities, including small molecules, biologics, peptides, and cell & gene therapies, Concept Life Sciences seamlessly integrates capabilities and provides bespoke solutions to address drug discovery challenges.
Collectively, the company’s high-quality services across the drug discovery and development pathway have helped its customers advance their drugs from concept to clinic in as little as 32 months, well ahead of the industry average of 60 months.
Driven by a passion for science, Concept Life Sciences has around 230 employees, with over 70% holding PhDs. The company operates from state-of-the-art UK facilities, headquartered near Manchester, with additional specialist operations in Edinburgh, Dundee, and Sandwich.
Media contacts
Concept Life Sciences
Clare Whitewoods – Marketing Director
Clare.Whitewoods@conceptlifesciences.com
Scius Communications
Katja Stout
+44 778 943 5990
katja@sciuscommunications.com
Daniel Gooch
+44 7747 875479
daniel@sciuscommunications.com
