Virax adds myeloma expert to scientific board

Virax Holdings (ASX:VHL) has appointed multiple myeloma expert Professor Douglas Joshua to its scientific advisory board.

Joshua is currently Emeritus Professor of Haematology at the Sydney University Medical School and consultant haematologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Joshua is one of Australia’s most respected multiple myeloma authorities. He is the only Australian winner of the International Myeloma Foundation’s Robert A Kyle Lifetime Achievement Board and is also a scientific advisor and member of the foundation.

In his new role, Joshua will help guide the clinical development of Virax’s anticancer compound GGTI-2418 in multiple myeloma.

Virax is also pursuing development of the compound in breast cancer and recently appointed US-based breast cancer expert Dr Joseph Sparano to the scientific advisory board.

“It is essential our clinical programs are underpinned by a world-class scientific advisory team with the credentials to support our lead asset into the clinic as expeditiously as possible,” Virax Managing Director Dr Rob Crombie commented.

“Multiple myeloma remains an area of oncology that has a substantial unmet medical need. I look forward to bringing new therapies to market that provide better patient outcomes,” Joshua added.

Virax Holdings (ASX:VHL) shares were trading 20% higher at $0.005 as of around 1.30 pm on Tuesday.