Coventry-based NanoSyrinx, a synthetic biology company developing a novel platform for targeted intracellular delivery of biologic therapeutics, has appointed Dr Anthony Johnson as a non-executive director.

Johnson is a physician with more than 20 years’ experience in senior and executive positions for early-stage biotech and pharma companies, who was most recently chief executive of Goldfinch Bio and he is chair of Outrun Therapeutics. He was previosly senior vice-president of early clinical development at AstraZeneca and worked in similar roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and GlaxoSmithKline. He has experience in biotech fundraising and as a venture partner at OrbiMed Advisors, and has particular expertise in drug discovery and early clinical development.

Dr Joe Healey, chief executive of NanoSyrinx said: “Tony’s experience as an outcome-driven pharmaceutical executive with extensive industry involvement, including in biotech fundraising, will be invaluable as we build momentum for the next stage of the company’s development. Alongside existing board members, including Dr Steve Taylor and Dr Jane Dancer, our team is in a fantastic position to drive this growth forward.”

Johnson commented: “Building on over a decade of fundamental research, NanoSyrinx is creating a truly unique and exciting platform technology for the targeted intracellular delivery of biological molecules to address a wide range of unmet medical needs. Already, the company has built an excellent team and I am looking forward to working with them, harnessing both my interest and expertise in this field, to advance the technology and help deliver safe and effective medicines for patients.”