Aktis Oncology Welcomes Mary Thistle to Board Amid Strategic Growth Phase
Aktis Oncology, an innovative company at the forefront of the oncology field, has recently appointed Mary Thistle, a seasoned leader in the biotechnology sector, to its Board of Directors. This strategic move comes as Aktis strives to expand its reach and influence in the realm of targeted radiopharmaceuticals, which have the potential to revolutionize treatment options for significant patient populations with unmet medical needs.
Mary Thistle brings a wealth of experience to Aktis, having dedicated over 25 years to the biotech industry. Her impressive track record includes pivotal roles in several well-known companies, where she demonstrated operational, financial, and business development prowess. She is currently on the boards of various prominent biotech firms such as Cullinan Therapeutics, Entrada Therapeutics, Q32 Bio, and Vigil Neuroscience.
In her previous position as Special Advisor for the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute, Thistle contributed greatly to advancing research and clinical development, including serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO. Additionally, her tenure as Chief Operating Officer at Dimension Therapeutics included successfully navigating multiple financing rounds and overseeing the company's IPO. At Cubist Pharmaceuticals, her efforts in business development led to strategic acquisitions and were instrumental in the $9.5 billion acquisition of Cubist by Merck.
Upon her appointment, Thistle expressed her enthusiasm about joining Aktis at such a crucial point in its growth trajectory. "Aktis' initiatives to address significant unmet needs among large patient populations, coupled with its proprietary radioconjugate technologies, uniquely positions the company in an exciting and innovative category of anticancer therapies," she stated. Her commitment to collaborative governance indicates her intention to work closely with the existing board and management to propel the company forward.
Todd Foley, the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board, echoed this sentiment, welcoming Thistle’s extensive experience in corporate strategy and operational leadership as an asset to their ambitious goals in the radiopharmaceutical landscape. With her addition to the board, Aktis Oncology aims to bolster its influence and accelerate its advancements in oncology.
Aktis Oncology, founded and incubated by MPM BioImpact, is focused on unlocking the potential of targeted radiopharmaceuticals. Its leading pipeline program targets Nectin-4, a tumor-associated antigen significant in urothelial and other solid cancers. The company has developed an innovative miniprotein radioconjugate platform, designed to maximize therapeutic impact while minimizing side effects, thus providing a promising avenue for patients who currently have limited treatment options.
Moreover, Aktis has a strategic collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company, further leveraging its miniprotein platform to develop novel radioconjugates, enhancing its product portfolio and commitment to cancer patients.
In conclusion, Mary Thistle’s appointment marks a significant step for Aktis Oncology as it eyes growth and innovation within the rapidly evolving oncology sector. Her vast experience and strategic insights are anticipated to drive the company’s vision and operational efficiency as it continues its journey towards transforming cancer treatment protocols.