Dave Simpson

Dave founded Iksuda Therapeutics (Iksuda) in 2012, refocussing it to an Antibody Drug Conjugate company and is focussed on the development of 1^st/best in class ADCs by deploying a toolbox of chemistries and payload approaches to address the specific needs of each target and indication. Iksuda has operational capabilities in Newcastle, UK (Corporate HQ & Research), Boston, US (IND enabling and Clinical Development) and most recently extended its activities with its New York, US based Innovation Laboratories to drive further differentiation of its drug development efforts through invention.

Iksuda will initiate PhI clinical trials for its IKS03 (anti-CD19) and IKS014 (Anti-Her2) ADCs in Q1 2022 with a further two targets entering IND enabling development in 2023. In June 2021, the Company completed a $47m financing round co-led by Celltrion Inc and Mirae Asset Capital.

Prior to Iksuda, Dave led Actavis’s biosimilar programmes (now Abbvie) and started his industrial career by joining Cobra Biologics before moving to Eden Biodesign Ltd where he led its process development capabilities prior to its acquisition by Watson Pharma. Dave gained his PhD through an NHS Funded, New Blood Fellowship.

In addition, Dave holds the position of NED at Leaf Expression Systems, UK and advises several biotech companies, investment groups and provides local support to Newcastle University’s MRC Confidence in Concept Fund.