ApconiX Team Members Archives
PhD
Helen has over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry focused on predictive and mechanistic toxicology. She has expertise in early project toxicology gained through roles in discovery safety and safety pharmacology, supporting projects across multiple therapy areas.
Sean holds a PhD in immuno-pharmacology from the University of Liverpool, focused on developing experimental and conceptual means to address T-cell mediated hypersensitivity reactions. He has long-standing links with drug safety research at Liverpool where he received the Syngenta prize for Pharmacology at degree level and where he maintains an academic profile. He has several publications focused on the immuno-toxicological aspects of small molecular weight compounds and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Sean particularly values working with inter-disciplinary experts to drive rational, data-led decision making in drug development projects.
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Angela has a strong scientific background in chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and over 30 years of regulatory affairs experience in medicinal product and medical device development.   She has extensive experience of ICH, FDA and Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) guidelines for a wide range of pharmaceutical products, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and quality systems. She has been influential in regulatory affairs training and mentoring and is a Fellow of The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. Angela was the winner of the 2015 TOPRA Award for Contribution and 2020 TOPRA Award for Inspiration.  Angela’s knowledge, breadth of experience in regulatory affairs, toxicology and pharmacology abilities and strategic approach aligns with and supports the toxicology group in ApconiX.
Karen is a Medical Writer with extensive experience in communicating health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) through a range of market access materials. Having worked within a global contract research organisation, she has a track record of delivering high quality, evidence-based materials to clients from across the pharmaceutical industry (from the top ten global pharmaceutical companies to small biotechnology companies) and across multiple disease areas. Karen has a comprehensive understanding of clinical trial design and clinical safety data and enjoys bringing this experience and her broad scientific knowledge to the Safety Science team.
James is an experienced and innovative toxicologist having worked for over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry with AstraZeneca and as an independent consultant. As a molecular-investigative toxicologist he helped resolve safety issues for a wide range of drug discovery and development projects across the major therapy areas. He has also developed advanced in vitro models for organ toxicity screening, pioneered the application of novel technology and informatics platforms and has a strong track record of delivering Target Safety Assessments. James (also known as Sid)  has a real interest in solving mechanisms of drug toxicity and is energised by working collaboratively in industry, academic and commercial settings.
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Simon has over 20 years’ nonclinical and toxicology experience working in contract research, medical and pharmaceutical organisations across multiple disciplines. These include small molecules, vaccines, biologics, and medical devices. He has experience of a diverse range of therapeutic areas (including oncology, CNS, ocular and dermal) and across various phases of drug discovery and development.
As well as a Master’s degree in toxicology from the University of Birmingham, professional credentials include European Registered Toxicologist (ERT) since 2012, American Board Registered Toxicologist (DABT) since 2014 and a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists in Toxicology (DipRCPath(Tox)) in 2021. He’s currently a member of the Society of Toxicology (SOT), American College of Toxicology (ACT), British Society of Toxicology (BTS) and European Teratology Society (ETS).
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Duncan is an expert pharmacologist with an international reputation in secondary and safety pharmacology, gained over 18 years in drug discovery and development at AstraZeneca and Novartis. Having worked with project teams at all stages of discovery and development across multiple therapy areas, he has a track record of optimising small molecule off-target safety profiles and in understanding and interpreting target-related safety risks. Duncan enjoys bringing his passion for pharmacology to successful collaborative teams.
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Laurence is an experienced DMPK and toxicological Scientist, with 20 years of non-clinical drug development and chemical experience at medium and large CROs as well as within AstraZeneca. Specialising in Business Development for the last 13 years Laurence combines a passion for appropriate pharmaceutical development and a knowledge of project scientific and commercial needs. he is well placed to support both our customers and ApconiX to best deliver non-clinical safety programmes. Laurence has a proven track record for communication, ownership, integrity and delivery, building mutually beneficial and lasting customer relationships.
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Kemal is a toxicologist with 25 years’ experience supporting biopharma projects (from early discovery through marketing authorisation) across different therapeutic areas, target classes, and modalities (small molecules, biologics, and targeted drug conjugates). Kemal has worked in both small biotech and large pharma organisations and has a track record of designing and delivering fit-for-purpose safety assessment strategies and successfully devising risk mitigation approaches.
