Ex-AstraZeneca ace fits executive pattern for Mosaic

The targeted oncology therapeutics company is dedicated to resolving cancer’s complexity to power new combination therapies for patients. Dr Davies will lead the company’s scientific strategy and Research & Development team.

He has more than 25 years‘ experience in drug discovery, including 19 years at AstraZeneca where he most recently held the position of Senior Director, Global Project Leader.

During his time with AstraZeneca, he led multiple projects across phases from lead optimisation to phase 2 proof-of-concept clinical trials, mainly in the cell signalling, apoptosis and DNA damage response areas.

He also led preclinical work on multiple drug discovery programmes including the recently approved Capivasertib/Truqap. Prior to this, he held other senior leadership roles at AstraZeneca, including Senior Director, Clinical and Translational Scientific Alliances, in which he was responsible for partnerships and collaborations in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr Davies holds a BSc (Hons) Class I in Biochemistry and PhD in mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis from the University of Liverpool. Following postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Professor Bruce Ponder in Cambridge, he established his own research group at the Northern Institute for Cancer Research, University of Newcastle, where he was a group leader, senior lecturer, and Cancer Research UK grant holder.

Magda Jonikas, CEO, Mosaic Therapeutics said: “Barry’s extensive experience and expertise in early oncology drug discovery and development will be a significant asset to Mosaic. We are thrilled to welcome him to lead the Research and Development team.

“Barry’s deep understanding of cancer biology and early drug development will be invaluable to the company as we continue to progress our pipeline of targeted drug combinations in novel biomarker-defined settings, and enable us to deliver precision medicines for patients who currently have few therapeutic options.”

Dr Davies added: “Mosaic’s pedigree is impressive and the potential of the data science platform coupled with deeply characterised preclinical models to identify new combination therapies within oncology is very exciting.

“I’m delighted to join the company at this pivotal stage and look forward to working with the leadership and scientific teams to drive the programmes.”