BRIEF—Metrion Biosciences expands senior leadership team

Cambridge, UK-based Metrion Biosciences, a specialist ion channel contract research and drug discovery company, today announced the appointments of Dr Robert Kirby to chief operating officer and Dr Edward Stevens to chief scientific officer.

Both appointments represent promotions from within the company.

In his role as director of operations, Dr Kirby oversaw Metrion’s recent site move and doubling of staff headcount, implementation of refined health and safety and compliance resources, and the introduction of multiple efficiency and quality initiatives.

Prior to joining Metrion, he was a principal scientist at Xention Ltd.

As director of drug discovery, Dr Stevens has been driving Metrion’s scientific strategy to develop new assays, has been program leader for strategic collaborations, and co-authored successful Innovate UK grant applications.

Dr Stevens joined Metrion from Ario Pharma, where he was chief scientific officer.

Prior to this, he held multiple senior ion channel drug discovery positions, including head of Electrophysiology at Pfizer.