Former AustCancer CEO to head US biotech

Paul Hopper, who until earlier this year was at the helm of Australian company AustCancer (now Avantogen) has been named the CEO of New York-based clinical stage drug developer Evolve Oncology.

Evolve Oncology, which was founded by Bioaccelerate Holdings, acquires, develops and commercialises drugs to treat a variety of cancers, including pancreatic, renal and small cell lung cancer. It is in the process of acquiring a portfolio of mid- and late-stage oncology products, as well as a mix of preclinical-stage compounds.

Its pipeline currently consists of seven products, including four in or entering phase II clinical development and three at preclinical stage, according to the company.

In a statement, Hopper said Evolve Oncology was at an exciting stage in its corporate development. "Bioaccelerate's strategy for streamlining product development and commercialisation is being applied to Evolve Oncology, as seen by the successful rapid advancement of its lead programs, and I look forward to continuing to move the company toward commercialisation."

Bioaccelerate CEO Dr Frank Armstrong commented that Hopper's experience at board and management level, as well as knowledge of the US market, would help Evolve in its bid to commercialise products.

Before joining Avantogen, Hopper was managing director of ASX-listed pathology specialist Alpha Healthcare. Between 2002 and 2004 he was the Australian representative of Los Angeles-based merchant bank Cappello Group. He is chairman on ASX-listed Bone Medical, and US company Innovate Oncology. He left Avantogen in March this year.