ApconiX is delighted to welcome Dr Jane Barber who joins us from AstraZeneca.  Jane, a dedicated drug discovery research scientist will work with the team of experts in nonclinical safety toxicology at ApconiX.

Jane graduated from the University of Keele with a degree in Biology and Classical studies.  After researching Molecular Parasitology and Vector Biology, she gained her master’s degree from the Universities of Manchester, Salford and Keele.  Jane went on to obtain her PhD at the University of Liverpool, researching ‘In vitro and in vivo models for the investigation of transporter inhibition and translation to drug-induced liver injury’.  Jane worked at AstraZeneca for some 14 years, most recently leading a program of discovery safety work on a high-profile oncology project.

Jane joins the team to work in project toxicology and target safety assessments, “Over 50% of drug safety failures are known to be related to the target itself.  By reviewing the biology of a target, a toxicologist can better understand the potential safety issues that could arise when the target is inhibited.”

Professor Ruth Roberts added, “We are very excited to have Jane on board. She is a very talented drug toxicology scientist. It is a great opportunity to grow our resources around target safety assessments.  Understanding key safety concerns related to a potential target enables better, informed decisions on all aspects of a drug discovery programme.”