Avacta names Christina Coughlin as head of R&D

UK-based Avacta Group (AIM: AVCT) announced that Dr Christina Coughlin, on February 1, will take up the position of head of research and development, overseeing all clinical development and pre-clinical research activities of the Therapeutics Division.

The life sciences company, focused on oncology, also announces that Dr Fiona McLaughlin will step down as chief scientific officer of the Therapeutics Division after three years in the role, during which she has contributed significantly to the development of the Therapeutics Division and its programs. She will continue to work with the company through a transitionary period.

Dr Coughlin has served as a non-executive director of Avacta since March 2022 and has recently acted as consultant medical adviser to the Therapeutics Division. She trained as an oncologist and immunologist and has been pivotal in driving the clinical development strategy for AVA6000, Avacta's lead pre|CISION tumor targeted therapy, and the broader drug pipeline strategy at the company. Dr Coughlin will remain on the Avacta board as an executive director.