Ochre Bio, an innovator in chronic liver disease medicine development, announced the appointment of David Coughlan, PhD as Vice President of Translational Development and Chinwe Ukomadu, Managing Director, PhD as an Observer on its Board of Directors.
What do the appointees bring to Ochre Bio in their roles?
Quin Wills, CSO of Ochre Bio, said: “We take huge pride in the world-class scientific and clinical expertise that exists across all levels of the organisation, and are delighted to bring David and Chinwe on board as we begin this next, critical phase of our journey. Their expertise across liver R&D and drug development will drive us forward, toward the successful development of new, innovative treatments to improve the lives of those suffering from chronic liver disease.”
David Coughlan
Dr. Coughlan will be responsible for translating the findings from Ochre Bio’s discovery platform and human-based translational models into RNA therapies ready for clinical development. Dr. Coughlan is a pharmacist with more than 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical R&D sector, most recently serving as Chief Technical Officer of Afimmune Ltd.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Coughlan said: “Joining the Ochre Bio has presented me with a unique opportunity to work on ground breaking science. I look forward to drawing on my experience in taking novel scientific ideas into the clinic to help advance Ochre’s mission, and to play my part in transforming outcomes for chronic liver disease patients.”
“Ochre’s end-to-end RNA therapy development, which includes testing in live human donor livers, is a bold approach to tackling chronic disease. I believe that the advancements they are pioneering have the potential to treat a range of liver health and therapeutic challenges.”
Chinwe Ukomadu
Dr. Chinwe Ukomadu joins Ochre Bio’s board as an observer and will act as a liaison between the firm’s Scientific Strategy Board (SSB) and Board of Directors. Given Dr Ukomadu’s prior experience on Ochre Bio’s SSB and his role as SVP and Head of GI Therapeutic Area at Takeda, he is uniquely positioned to give guidance to the leadership team as it pertains to translating early discoveries into a pipeline of therapeutic candidates to better patients’ lives.
Dr. Chinwe said: “It’s an honour to join a cohort of experienced members on the Ochre Bio board, each of whom is fully committed to overseeing and supporting the organisation’s breakthrough work. I look forward to working with both the Scientific Strategy Board and the Board of Directors to guide Ochre Bio on their path towards impacting patient lives.”
“The future of chronic liver disease treatment is being shaped by Ochre Bio, built by some of the best scientific talent on a foundation of transdisciplinary excellence,” Dr. Chinwe added.
