Applied BioMath, a company involved in applying systems and mechanistic modelling, simulation, and analysis to accelerate and de-risk drug research and development, has named Alison Betts as its new senior director of Scientific Collaborations and fellow of Modeling & Simulation, it was reported yesterday.

In the new role, Betts will collaborate with partners to launch mechanistic and systems pharmacology modelling approaches at preclinical and clinical stages to de-risk drug programs within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

Prior to joining Applied BioMath, Betts had an extensive modelling and simulation career at Pfizer Inc, starting in Sandwich, UK in 1994. In 2007, she transferred to the translational research group in Groton, Connecticut. Most recently, she was a member of the translational modelling and simulation group in the biomedicines design department in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she was the translational modelling and simulation lead supporting the oncology research unit. During her career at Pfizer Inc. Betts supported many research units including pain, cardiovascular, anti-bacterial, inflammation and immunology, immuno-oncology, and oncology to establish the use of modelling and translational pharmacology to drive projects and increase efficiency and effectiveness in achieving portfolio goals. In these roles she provided modelling and simulation support to small and large molecule therapeutics at different stages of research and development. Betts specialises in modelling and simulation of novel biotherapeutic drugs, including antibody drug conjugates, bispecific biologics, T-cell engagers, in order to understand complex mechanisms, validate targets, and translate to the clinic.