HOX Therapeutics, the private biotechnology company developing first-in-class, highly targeted cancer therapies based on HOX genes, has named Dr Stephen Shuttleworth as its new non-executive director, it was reported yesterday.

Presently, Dr Shuttleworth is the CSO and COO of Karus Therapeutics and is the founding scientist of the PI3K-p110ß/d and HDAC6 programs. Prior to that, he held R&D leadership positions in UK and North American biotech, working in several disease areas across multiple therapeutic targets, notably at Chiroscience, BiochemPharma, Tularik, CRUK and Piramed. At Piramed, he directed the PI3K programs, designing and leading the preclinical development of Pictilisib, partnered with Genentech and subsequently taken into Phase II by Roche, which acquired Piramed for USD160M in 2008.

James Culverwell, chairman of HOX Therapeutics, said, 'We are delighted to welcome Stephen to the board. His extensive experience in drug discovery and development in oncology will be invaluable as we progress our lead asset into clinical development later this year.'