BRIEF—HOX Therapeutics appoints Karl Keegan as CEO

UK-based biotech firm HOX Therapeutics has appointed Karl Keegan as chief executive.

Dr Keegan worked in research and strategic product development at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals and has helds executive positions including CFO/corporate development roles at Pharming Group, Vectura Group and Shield Therapeutics.

The privately-held firm is developing highly targeted cancer therapies based on HOX genes.

Chairman James Culverwell said: "As we are preparing to move into Phase I proof-of-concept studies with our lead product, we are expanding the executive leadership team with experts in clinical oncology and operations, regulatory affairs and manufacturing as HOX transitions to be a clinical-stage biotech company."