Kesmalea Therapeutics Appoints Tim Clackson to Board
Company - People | May 14, 2025 | Syncona
Kesmalea Therapeutics, based in London, has appointed Tim Clackson to its Board of Directors. Dr. Clackson, an industry veteran, is recognized for his pivotal role in oncology biotech companies, and for leading IDRx through a notable acquisition by GSK for up to $1.15 billion in 2025. Kesmalea focuses on developing novel therapies through its SELFTAC platform, which aims to tackle the challenges of protein degradation with small molecules. The platform is noted for its potential in oncology and CNS diseases. Syncona Ltd led Kesmalea's 25 million Series A funding, demonstrating significant interest in the potential of Kesmalea's approach to protein degradation as a therapeutic strategy.
Sectors
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Venture Capital
- Oncology
Geography
- United Kingdom – Kesmalea Therapeutics is headquartered in London, UK, indicating its primary region of operation.
- United States – Tim Clackson's career, primarily based in the U.S., and the involvement of Boston-based IDRx, illustrate significant geographical relevance to the U.S. market.
Industry
- Biopharmaceuticals – Kesmalea Therapeutics operates in the biopharmaceutical industry, developing innovative therapeutic solutions for complex medical conditions.
- Venture Capital – Syncona Ltd's investment support in Kesmalea's Series A funding relates to venture capital activities in the sector.
- Oncology – With a focus on oncology therapies, Kesmalea and Tim Clackson's experience highlight their strong foothold in the cancer treatment industry.
Financials
- 1.15 billion – Acquisition price of IDRx by GSK in 2025.
- 25 million – Amount raised by Kesmalea in Series A funding round led by Syncona.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kesmalea Therapeutics | Target Company | Company | A UK-based biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming large protein degraders into small molecules for therapeutic use. |
| Syncona Ltd | Strategic Investor | Company | A leading European healthcare investment company that led Kesmalea's Series A funding round. |
| Tim Clackson | New Board Member | Person | An industry veteran with extensive experience in oncology, formerly CEO of IDRx. |
| IDRx | Former Employer | Company | A precision oncology therapy developer acquired by GSK during Clackson’s tenure as CEO. |
| GSK | Acquiring Company | Company | A global healthcare company that acquired IDRx for up to $1.15 billion. |
| Oxford Science Enterprises | Co-Investor | Company | A venture capital firm co-investing in Kesmalea's Series A round. |
| Harry Finch | Founder & CSO | Person | Medicinal chemist and founder of Kesmalea Therapeutics. |