Bahija Jallal, Immunocore
In a similar move to Barrett, Bahija Jallal moved from AstraZeneca to Immunocore, taking on the CEO position at the biotech.
Jallal had been president of MedImmune, AstraZeneca’s research arm, for six years, after having worked her way up from SVP of research at the company. Prior to this position, she had worked at Chiron and Sugen in research positions.
During her time at MedImmune, Jallal oversaw the development of Imfinzi (durvalumab), Fasenra (benralizumab) and Siliq (brodalumab). MedImmune also vastly expanded its pipeline of assets, with 130 molecules in development compared to a number of 40 when she started her role.
Immunocore’s lead program is IMCgp100, a potential treatment for metastatic uveal melanoma that is currently in clinical trials. The company is specialising in developing T cell receptor treatments for use within oncology, but also has programs in infectious and autoimmune diseases.
Jallal said of her appointment: “With its strong platform, with potential to be applicable in multiple therapy areas, Immunocore has successfully translated its innovative science into the clinic with ongoing pivotal trials in uveal melanoma and clinical and pre-clinical stage programs in other disease areas. I am looking forward to helping the company, and its talented employees, bring innovative T cell receptor-based medicines to patients.”