Experienced life sciences executive, Dr Alastair Smith, appointed Chair

Alderley Park, UK – 19 February 2025: TheraCryf plc (AIM: TCF), the clinical stage drug development company focussing on oncology and neuropsychiatry has appointed Dr Alastair Smith as Non-executive Chair.

Alastair is an experienced life sciences executive, with over 20 years’ experience in public company growth and strategy, having founded and led Avacta Group plc as CEO from inception until last year. During his tenure, Avacta evolved into a leading AIM-listed biotech firm with two key divisions: a clinical-stage oncology drug company advancing its proprietary pre|CISION tumor-targeting platform and a diagnostics business pursuing an M&A-driven growth strategy in Europe, focused on serving healthcare professionals.

Alastair also brings valuable R&D and academic leadership, having also spent over 12 years as Professor of Molecular Biophysics at the University of Leeds. Alastair is also Non-executive Director of N4 Pharma plc and Non-executive Chairman of SPARTA Biodiscovery Ltd.

Alastair is stepping into the role of Chair following the passing of former Chair Dr Sue Foden in November last year. The appointment is effective immediately. Alastair’s directorship fee for at least the next 12 months will be paid to him in Ordinary Shares.

Dr Huw Jones, CEO of TheraCryf, commented:

“Attracting a Chair of Alastair’s calibre and experience is a real endorsement of the potential of TheraCryf’s product portfolio and our approach. We have been struck by the high quality of our interactions so far and wish him a very warm welcome to the team. I look forward to working closely with Alastair.”

Dr Alastair Smith, incoming Non-executive Chair of TheraCryf, added:

“TheraCryf’s product portfolio includes assets addressing areas of high unmet need and, in particular, the Orexin-1 antagonist candidate has class leading characteristics and potential to treat patients with addictive disorders such as alcohol and opioid abuse, and binge eating disorder. This is a key time to be joining the business as it seeks to complete the final steps, over the next twelve months or so, to transition the Orexin-1 programme to clinical readiness – a huge value inflection point for the company.

“I look forward very much to supporting the team to deliver on the opportunities that clearly exist within the company and to communicate these opportunities effectively to the market so that progress is reflected by growth in shareholder value.”

The following information is disclosed pursuant to Rule 17 and Schedule Two paragraph (g) of the AIM Rules for Companies in relation to Dr David Alastair Maclaughlin Smith, aged 58:

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About TheraCryf plc

TheraCryf is the clinical stage drug development company focussing on oncology and neuropsychiatry. The Company has a broad clinical and preclinical pipeline in indications including glioblastoma* neurodevelopmental disorders, addiction, anxiety and narcolepsy [*orphan indication].

The Company’s strategy is to generate compelling data sets to preclinical and/or clinical proof of concept and partner its clinical programmes with mid-size to large pharma for larger trials and commercialisation. As well as a number of industry partnerships with companies, including Stalicla SA, in neurodevelopmental disorders.  The Company has sourced know how for programmes from companies such as Shire (now Takeda).

TheraCryf has worked with and has ongoing collaborations with major universities and hospitals such as the University of Manchester, La Sapienza (Università di Roma), the Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Kings College London and the University of Michigan.

The Company has its headquarters and registered office at Alderley Park, Cheshire. It is quoted on AIM in London and trades under the ticker symbol TCF. 

For further information, please visit: www.theracryf.com.