London, UK – ValiRx Plc (AIM: VAL), a life science company focusing on early-stage cancer therapeutics and women’s health, is pleased to announce today the signature of a lease for laboratory space at MediCity (Nottingham). We are also pleased to confirm the permanent appointment of Dr Cathy Tralau-Stewart as Chief Scientific Officer (“CSO”).
Laboratory Lease
MediCity (Nottingham) is part of Pioneer Group, https://thepioneergroup.com/locations/medicity-nottingham/. Conveniently located in the East Midlands, MediCity has access to the local and national biotech community, access to quality talent from nearby universities and flexible laboratory space. The facilities confirmed under this lease agreement consist of a 910 square foot laboratory space, suitable for 6-8 lab-based staff members. Services provided include laboratory support, access to shared equipment and social events.
This completes the first stage of the establishment of ValiRx’s internal translational Contract Research Organisation (“tCRO”) and forms the basis of the overall tCRO strategy. Work now continues on building a first-class science and operational team and the implementation of testing techniques that will help to improve biological understanding of ValiRx’s collaborative development pipeline and, in due course, third party services.
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr Cathy Tralau-Stewart was appointed as Interim CSO for ValiRx in 2022 under a consultancy arrangement. We are delighted to announce that Cathy has agreed to become CSO on a permanent basis, focusing on developing a risk-balanced, collaborative preclinical pipeline. She will also actively support the Company strategically through membership of the Executive team and as a Board observer.
ValiRx CEO, Dr Suzy Dilly commented: “Working with Cathy in the capacity as Interim CSO over the past few months has demonstrated the value of the role and that her expertise is an excellent fit for the challenges that ValiRx faces, so I am delighted to be able to confirm that she’s agreed to convert to a permanent role. Her knowledge of early-stage drug development and extensive contacts in the industry will enhance our ability to identify and translate science into effective treatments.
“Additionally, confirming the signing of the laboratory lease enables us to build the lab team, accelerate development of our internal programmes at reduced cost and initiates the launch of the external tCRO service offering.”
ValiRx CSO, Dr Cathy Tralau-Stewart added: “ValiRx is progressing an innovative portfolio of projects to address the important areas of oncology and the unmet need in the women’s health space. I have enjoyed working with the ValiRx team and am excited to accept a permanent role and to be part of building its future. The development of the tCRO is an important step forward and will fill the need for robust and reliable validated translational models in these areas.”
The Directors of the Company take responsibility for this announcement.
For more information, please contact:
ValiRx plc
Dr Suzanne Dilly, CEO
Tel: +44 (0) 2476 796496
