Brighton-based Destiny Pharma, a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of novel medicines preventing life-threatening infections, has appointed Sir Nigel Rudd as chairman.

Sir Nigel has chaired the Business Growth Fund, Heathrow, Alliance Boots, Signature, Pilkington, Meggitt, and a number of other major companies. He was also deputy chairman of Barclays for a number of years. He was previously chairman of Destiny from 2010 to 2018 and led its flotation on the London AIM market.

Sir Nigel said: “My confidence in Destiny can be traced back 20 years to my first investment in the business. It is with great pleasure that I can return to the company at such an exciting time, as we move towards the commercialisation of our products. Our recent market research is indicating that there is a blockbuster, $2 bililion plus opportunity with the XF-73 programme in the US alone. And our NTCD-M3 programme is Phase 3 ready, with the clinical development and regulatory investment required, coming from our partner Sebela.”

Interim chief executive Dr Debra Barker commented: “Sir Nigel is rejoining the board at a critical juncture in the company’s journey, as we accelerate progress towards the commercialisation of our product pipeline. Sir Nigel’s broad experience, alongside incoming CEO Chris Tovey’s biotech, transactional and dealmaking experience, establishes a robust board capable of delivering on Destiny’s commercial objectives, and realising the inherent value of our products. I look forward to working alongside them both.”