Arovella Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ALA), a biotechnology company focused on developing its invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cell platform to treat cancer has thanked non-executive director David Simmonds for his service to the company after he announced his retirement from the board.
Simmonds will retire from the Board of Directors at the 2023 Annual General Meeting, expected to be held on November 10, and will not stand for re-election.
He was appointed to the board in March 2019 and since that time Arovella said he had served the company admirably and played an important role in the transition to focus on its iNKT cell therapy platform for cancer treatment.
“Joined at important phase”
Arovella’s CEO and MD Dr Michael Baker said: “David Simmonds joined the company at an important phase of its evolution.
"With his support and guidance, we have been able to successfully cement our place as a cell therapy player for the treatment of blood cancers and solid tumours.
"I would personally like to thank David for his contributions and wish him the very best for his future endeavours.”
About Arovella
Arovella Therapeutics is focused on developing its invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell therapy platform from Imperial College London to treat blood cancers and solid tumours.
The company is also expanding its DKK1-peptide targeting technology licensed from MD Anderson and used in conjunction with its iNKT cell therapy platform.
Arovella’s lead product is ALA-101, which consists of CAR19-iNKT cells that have been modified to produce a Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) that targets CD19.
CD19 is an antigen found on the surface of numerous cancer types. iNKT cells also contain an invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) that targets α-GalCer bound CD1d, another antigen found on the surface of several cancer types. ALA-101 is being developed as an allogeneic cell therapy, which means it can be given from a healthy donor to a patient.
“Instrumental role”
Areovella’s chairman Dr Tom Duthy added: “The role that David played was instrumental in forging Arovella’s more recent focus as a highly differentiated cell therapy company.
"It was a pleasure working with David as a board member since joining the company and on behalf of all directors and staff of Arovella wish David much success moving forward.”