Nouscom Names Cancer Drug Expert Neil Gallagher as Advisor and R&D Chair

Dr. Neil Gallagher, an esteemed figure in the field of pharmaceutical research and development, has been appointed as an Independent Advisor to Nouscom’s Board of Directors and will also lead the company's R&D Committee. With a robust background in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Gallagher's new role at Nouscom, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology firm, is expected to significantly influence the company’s trajectory in cancer vaccine development.

Nouscom, based in Basel, Switzerland, focuses on creating both off-the-shelf and personalized cancer vaccines that utilize viral vectors targeting neoantigens. The company is pioneering next-generation cancer immunotherapies aimed at turning the immune system against tumor cells and precancerous lesions.

Dr. Gallagher's career spans over two decades, marked by his involvement in the development and approval of various innovative drugs, from small molecules to biologics. His expertise covers several therapeutic areas, particularly oncology and immunology. Before joining Nouscom, Dr. Gallagher has been serving as President of R&D at Syndax Pharmaceuticals since April 2023, where he oversaw the development of first-in-class cancer therapies. His previous roles include Chief Medical Officer and Head of Development at AbbVie, where he played a pivotal role in steering multiple drug development programs to approval and managed asset strategy and portfolio management across different therapeutic domains.

Dr. Gallagher's professional journey also includes significant positions at major pharmaceutical companies like Amgen, Novartis Oncology, AstraZeneca, and Astex Therapeutics. His extensive experience in global oncology development and inflammation therapies has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the drug development lifecycle from early-stage research to clinical proof of concept.

Educationally, Dr. Gallagher earned his medical degree from Trinity College, Dublin, and completed a Fellowship in Gynaecological Oncology at the Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, UK.

Dr. Marina Udier, CEO of Nouscom, expressed her excitement about Dr. Gallagher's appointment, emphasizing his potential to accelerate the company’s clinical portfolio of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines. She highlighted the ongoing randomized Phase 2 trial of NOUS-209 in MSI colorectal cancer as a significant area where his expertise will be invaluable.

Dr. Goran Ando, the Independent Chair of Nouscom’s Board, also welcomed Dr. Gallagher, noting the anticipation of his contributions as the company progresses through various clinical trials and developmental milestones.

Dr. Gallagher himself conveyed enthusiasm about his new role, expressing a keen interest in assisting Nouscom in achieving its goal of developing safe and innovative cancer immunotherapies. He underscored the potential life-changing impact of Nouscom’s therapies for patients and looked forward to contributing to the company's success.

Nouscom’s pipeline includes NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf immunotherapy for MSI solid tumors, currently in Phase 2 trials in combination with pembrolizumab. Another notable project is NOUS-PEV, a personalized cancer immunotherapy set to enter Phase 2 trials in 2024 for indications with high unmet medical need. Additionally, Nouscom has out-licensed VAC-85135, an off-the-shelf immunotherapy under evaluation for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in a Phase 1 trial.

Dr. Gallagher's appointment is a strategic move for Nouscom, expected to bring significant advancements in their clinical development programs and further the company's mission to innovate cancer treatment options.