FibroFind, a preclinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) specialising in human-relevant tissue models, has appointed Professor Andrew Fisher as Chief Medical Officer (CMO), as the company continues its global expansion.
Having collaborated with FibroFind for several years in an academic partnership with Newcastle University, Fisher has been instrumental in shaping the company’s human tissue-based approaches to drug discovery. Bringing more than 20 years of experience as an NHS consultant physician, alongside internationally recognised expertise in transplantation medicine, advanced lung disease, and translational research, he will help strengthen FibroFind’s clinical strategy and support the continued development of its human-relevant disease models.
This appointment follows a key period for the business, which has doubled in size over the past year while strengthening its executive team to scale its international reach.
Fisher said: “Throughout more than two decades as an NHS consultant physician, I have seen first-hand the devastating impact that progressive fibrotic diseases have on patients, often leading to organ failure.
“As a transplant physician, I also understand the limitations of current treatment options. For many patients, transplantation simply is not possible, highlighting the urgent need to identify and evaluate new therapies.
“I’ve always believed human tissue from diseased organs is fundamental to accelerating drug discovery, and I’ve valued my long-standing academic collaboration with FibroFind. Joining the company as Chief Medical Officer allows me to help drive its next phase of growth and support its ambition to become a leader in human disease models for therapeutic discovery and evaluation.”
As Chief Medical Officer, Fisher will provide clinical insight into disease model development and the curation of highly characterized diseased human tissue, helping clients generate more predictive evidence, make better-informed development decisions and advance promising therapies toward clinical trials.
He added: “I’m looking forward to working with the senior team to expand the reach and impact of FibroFind’s unique human tissue models to support biotech and pharmaceutical companies as they evaluate candidate therapeutics.
“By bringing together my clinical, academic and translational research experience, I hope to help ensure our disease models continue to reflect real patient needs and ultimately help fast-track the discovery of treatments for people living with progressive fibrotic diseases.”
Lee Borthwick, Chief Executive Officer of FibroFind, said: “Andrew has been an invaluable collaborator for many years and has played an important role in advancing our understanding of how human tissue models can transform preclinical drug development.
“His unique combination of frontline clinical experience, internationally recognised research expertise and deep understanding of fibrotic disease makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team. As we continue to grow, Andrew’s insight will strengthen our ability to develop clinically relevant disease models that help our clients make better development decisions and help advance more effective therapies to patients faster.”
Alongside his responsibilities at FibroFind, Fisher will continue working with patients with advanced lung disease and lung transplantation at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He also leads a multidisciplinary research team within the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Organ Donation and Transplantation at Newcastle University, allowing him to bring ongoing clinical and academic perspectives into FibroFind’s strategic development.
