Edinburgh-based biotech company Trogenix has strengthened its clinical research capabilities with two strategic senior appointments as the company prepares to advance its innovative Odysseus cancer therapy platform into clinical trials. The company announced the hiring of Atif Abbas, MD as Chief Medical Officer and Carolyn Edwards, PhD as Vice President of Research & Development.
Experienced Leadership for Clinical Transition
Dr. Abbas brings over 25 years of pharmaceutical and biotechnology leadership experience, with extensive expertise guiding drug development programs from preclinical stages through clinical trials to market approval. His track record includes successfully leading numerous first-in-human IND submissions for immunotherapy compounds, including PDL1-41bb bispecific antibodies, NKG2A antibodies, and STING agonists. He played pivotal roles in high-profile regulatory submissions, including the successful BLA filing for avelumab in Merkel cell carcinoma.
Most recently serving as VP and Head of Immuno-oncology at Servier Pharma, Dr. Abbas has built and led multidisciplinary clinical development teams across senior roles at Spring Bank Pharma, Kadmon (acquired by Sanofi for $1.9B in 2021), Merck and AbbVie. He earned his medical degree from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan, completed oncology training at Mayo Hospital, and is a graduate of the Global Clinical Scholars Research Programme at Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Edwards contributes over 15 years of comprehensive experience in drug development and strategic partnerships. Her proven track record includes progressing immunotherapies from concept to candidate, securing clinical development partnerships and asset transfers. She completed her PhD at the Department of Immunology, Imperial College London, and held Translational Science and R&D Leadership positions in immuno-oncology at Crescendo Biologics and Achilles Therapeutics.
Revolutionary Odysseus Platform Technology
The appointments support Trogenix's advancement of its Odysseus platform, which unites cutting-edge technologies in genomics, oncology, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. The platform uses proven AAV vectors to deliver proprietary Synthetic Super-Enhancers (SSEs) directly to tumor cells without detection. These SSEs enable unprecedented precision in gene control, effectively revealing cancer to the body's immune system and killing tumor cells.
The company's "Trojan horse" approach can counter recurrence for cells escaping the initial treatment, offering potentially curative "one-and-done" treatments for aggressive tumors. The lead asset has demonstrated curative potential in preclinical glioblastoma studies, positioning the company to transform treatment paradigms across multiple cancer types.
Strategic Vision for Clinical Development
Ken Macnamara, Chief Executive Officer at Trogenix, emphasized the significance of these appointments: "As we enter the clinical phase, we are delighted to welcome Atif as CMO and Carolyn as VP, R&D at this transformative moment for Trogenix. Atif's deep expertise in clinical strategy, innovative trial designs, and track record of bringing advanced therapies to patients, combined with Carolyn's experience across immunology, translational science, and programme strategy, significantly bolsters our capabilities as we advance the Odysseus platform."
Dr. Abbas expressed enthusiasm about joining the company: "Having spent over two decades navigating the complexities of oncology drug development — from first-in-human studies to successful market approvals — I'm excited to join Trogenix to chart our course through the clinic. The innovation driven by the Odysseus platform enabling a 'Trojan horse' approach for potential curative responses to aggressive cancers offers significant hope."
Dr. Edwards added: "I'm thrilled to join Trogenix and contribute to maximising the potential of the Odysseus platform through its next phase of development. Having guided multiple oncology programmes from discovery and clinical stages, I look forward to applying this experience to help accelerate the Company's innovative pipeline."
The company is positioned to explore applications beyond oncology, including regenerative medicine, as it advances its pipeline of immuno-oncology assets through clinical development.
