Exhibit 99.1
Adaptimmune Broadens Executive Team
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. and OXFORD, UK., March 15, 2017 — Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: ADAP), a leader in T-cell therapy to treat cancer, today announced that it has broadened its executive team with the appointment of co-founder, Helen Tayton-Martin, Ph.D., M.B.A, to the newly-created role of Chief Business Officer, and Mr. William (Bill) Bertrand, Jr., J.D., as Chief Operating Officer. Both appointments are effective immediately.
Adaptimmune has an unrivalled portfolio of SPEAR T-cells, with four INDs open, including three for its wholly-owned SPEAR T-cells. Adaptimmune is also progressing pre-clinical work on a number of other targets, other HLA programs, second-generation products, allogeneic cells and autoimmune disease, and has a partnership with Bellicum to evaluate its switch technology.
Dr. Tayton-Martin has transitioned from her prior role as COO to the new CBO position that will see her focus entirely on optimizing the strategic and commercial opportunity for the Company’s assets. Her new role encompasses all aspects of pipeline and technology assessment, strategic portfolio analysis, partnerships and commercial planning. She will retain responsibility for alliances including the strategic partnership with GSK.
Mr. Bertrand, a highly experienced senior leader within the U.S. biotech industry, will assume responsibility for a range of operational functions, including compliance, risk management, human resources and legal/IP, based at Adaptimmune’s U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia. Mr. Bertrand will work closely with Dr. Tayton-Martin and the rest of the executive team in helping to prepare Adaptimmune for its next stage of development.
“We are delighted to welcome Bill Bertrand on board. Having been a senior executive at numerous life sciences companies, he brings extensive operational and management experience that is invaluable to support our next development stage, and, importantly, this appointment will also enable Helen Tayton-Martin to focus exclusively on maximizing the commercial opportunity for our substantial pipeline,” said James Noble, Adaptimmune’s Chief Executive Officer.
“This is a very exciting time for Adaptimmune as we progress four INDs enabling nine studies across 11 indications. I am pleased to be able to focus entirely on strategically optimizing our portfolio and partnerships,” commented Dr. Tayton-Martin.
“I am enthusiastic about joining Adaptimmune,” said Mr. Bertrand. “I believe the Company has great potential and it has already achieved numerous key milestones, with a very exciting future in prospect. I look forward to working with James and the rest of the team as we continue to build Adaptimmune for its next stage of growth and prepare for and deliver our pipeline to patients.”
Dr. Tayton-Martin has 25 years of experience working within the pharma, biotech and consulting environment in disciplines across preclinical and clinical development, outsourcing, strategic planning, due diligence and business development. She formerly served as Chief Operating Officer and is a co-founder of Adaptimmune, joining from Avidex Limited (subsequently Medigene) where she was responsible for commercial development of the soluble TCR program in cancer and HIV therapy. Dr. Tayton-Martin holds a Ph.D. in molecular immunology from the University of Bristol, U.K. and an M.B.A. from London Business School.