Kesmalea Therapeutics Invites Dr. Tim Clackson to Innovate Targeted Cancer Therapies
Company - People | May 14, 2025 | oxford sciences innovation
Kesmalea Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in London, has announced the appointment of Dr. Tim Clackson to its Board of Directors. Dr. Clackson, an experienced life sciences executive, brings over 30 years of expertise, including leadership roles in oncology-focused R&D and three approved drugs. His previous position was CEO of IDRx, Inc., acquired by GSK for $1.15 billion. Kesmalea specializes in transformative protein degradation treatments, specifically targeting the challenges faced by larger therapeutics like PROTACs. The company aims to leverage Dr. Clackson's expertise to enhance its SELFTAC platform's application in oncology and CNS diseases. As Kesmalea continues to develop its ambitious pipeline, Dr. Clackson's role is pivotal for the company's advancement towards clinical application.
Sectors
- Biopharmaceuticals
- Oncology
- Venture Capital
Geography
- United Kingdom – Kesmalea Therapeutics is based in London, highlighting its role in the UK biotech scene.
Industry
- Biopharmaceuticals – Kesmalea Therapeutics operates within the biopharmaceutical industry, focusing on the development of therapeutics based on protein degradation.
- Oncology – The article pertains to the oncology sector, as Kesmalea's research and developments focus on cancer treatment.
- Venture Capital – Oxford Sciences Innovation and other investors are mentioned, highlighting investment activities in pharmaceutical and biotech space.
Financials
- $1.15 billion – The acquisition price for IDRx by GSK.
- £25 million – Kesmalea's Series A funding led by Syncona Ltd and Oxford Science Enterprises.
- $5.2 billion – The acquisition price for ARIAD Pharmaceuticals by Takeda.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kesmalea Therapeutics | Target Company | Company | A biopharmaceutical company developing treatments based on protein degradation. |
| Oxford Sciences Innovation | Private Equity | Company | A venture capital firm providing funding to Kesmalea Therapeutics. |
| Tim Clackson | New Board Member | Person | An experienced life sciences executive with a strong background in oncology. |
| IDRx, Inc. | Previous Company of Dr. Clackson | Company | A precision oncology therapy developer. |
| GSK | Acquirer of IDRx | Company | A large pharmaceutical company that acquired IDRx. |
| Syncona Ltd | Series A Lead Investor | Company | A leading investor in Kesmalea's Series A funding round. |
| Harry Finch, Ph.D. | Founder & CSO | Person | A medicinal chemist and entrepreneur who founded Kesmalea. |