Avacta Group plc announced the appointment of Karen Harrison as Chief Operating Officer of its Therapeutics Division. In her new role, Karen will be responsible for supporting the research and development functions across Avacta's Therapeutics Division, with her focus exclusively on creating maximum value for the Group's stakeholders. Latest clinical data for the Company's lead pre|CISION™ programme, AVA6000, has demonstrated its ongoing very favourable safety profile and tumour-targeting potential, with patients in cohort 4 of the dose-escalation phase I trial experiencing a marked reduction in the incidence and severity of the typical toxicities associated with standard doxorubicin chemotherapy administration.

Karen joins Avacta with over 30 years' experience managing complex global B2C organisations; designing, planning and implementing strategies, plans and procedures, with a focus on operational excellence, promotion of company culture and vision, and continuous improvement. Within the last 15 years, she has undertaken senior positions predominantly within the healthcare and life sciences sectors, including Vice President for Talent at Astellas Pharma. Karen has grown private equity-backed businesses, with a focus on value creation through expansion, partnerships, and acquisitions, and also has significant experience of successfully delivering business transformation and integration, globally, in competitive, consumer-focused environments.