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As the Head of Immuno-Oncology, Discovery and the Oncology Cell Therapy Unit at AstraZeneca, I have a unique opportunity to apply my background as an immunologist and physician-scientist to translate science into potentially transformative medicines.
Our Immuno-Oncology Discovery team spans all stages of discovery, from target identification and validation to clinical candidate selection. We are also focused on generating preclinical predictive models to identify patients with a higher likelihood of benefitting from different treatments. Beyond this, we are exploring the possibility of living medicines – cell therapies – to rebuild the body’s own ability to recognise and attack tumours, destroy the cancer cells and achieve cure.
An immunologist and physician-scientist by training, I specialised in managing patients with immunodeficiencies. My research has focused on translational immunology, which includes cancer immunology and immunotherapy. My early work related to human viral immunity and restoring anti-viral immune responses through cellular immunotherapy. Through my research, I developed a strong interest in tumour neoantigens – believed to play a dominant role in the immune system’s response to cancer – and have contributed to the discovery of a novel class of tumour antigens.
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I am particularly excited about the innovative work in cell therapies, which is principally focussed on T cell therapeutics. A key aspect of our research is how we can engineer a better T cell – taking what nature has given us to the next level to detect and eradicate cancer more effectively while sparing healthy cells.
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Award
2004: Young Immunologist of the Year, British Society for Immunology
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Award
2005: Best Presentation Award, British Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation
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Award
2012: Overall Winner, BIG Idea Award, University of Birmingham
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CURRENT ROLE
2015-present
2011-2019
2014-2015
Featured publications
Veeva ID: Z4-67637
Date of Preparation: September 2024