Henry Bushell

Henry has a keen interest in economics and decided to acquire some business experience, joining ApconiX straight from sixth form college.  Playing an active role within business development, Henry hopes to gain an understanding of how businesses become and remain successful before going on to study economics at university.  An active mind and a willingness to take on new projects, Henry is well suited to the very busy, very demanding workload of a growing company.

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William Humfrey

MSc

Will has been a member of the Acuity Target Safety Assessment team and Data Science sub-team since September 2022, working with Professor Ruth Roberts and Dr James Sidaway.  Will studied for an integrated master’s degree in biomedical science at the University of Sheffield where he gained understanding of human health, disease processes and developed both practical and written skills. Will plays a key role in ApconiX’s Target Safety Assessment production process by authoring reports, analysing and formatting bioinformatics data for inclusion into the reports, and also helping to develop science and capability that will further enhance the productivity and quality of the Target Safety Assessment process.

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Michelle Blissett

MSc

With almost 20 years devoted to preclinical toxicology, Michelle has developed an excellent ability to conduct extensive literature searches, interrogating, analysing and interpreting data and has contributed to regulatory and scientific reports and produced numerous literature reviews.  As a Senior Toxicologist, Michelle has experience of clinical chemistry, haematology, cytogenetics and conducting preclinical studies for clients globally.  A collaborative and articulate communicator, Michelle has an aptitude for conveying complex scientific data in an accurate and concise manner.

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Scott Hackford

MSc

Scott is a Project Toxicologist with over 14 years of nonclinical and toxicology experience. Scott spent over 12 years’ at a UK CRO where he was Senior Toxicologist, Study Director, and manager of a team of study directors.  As Senior Toxicologist, Scott advised clients on drug safety programs across multiple therapy areas and therapeutic modalities. This work included the design, conduct and reporting of nonclinical safety studies to support regulatory submissions.  Scott has experience with agrochemical and chemical industry clients and the relevant regulatory guidelines including REACH.  Collaborating with clients to obtain the best outcomes, Scott is easy to approach, always working to enable projects are completed in a timely manner.

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Dr Amy Shepherd

PhD

Amy holds a PhD and Masters in Immunology and Cardiovascular science from the University of Sheffield. An experienced Immunologist with 10 years’ experience in non-clinical and clinical safety programme design for both biologic and small molecule compounds, Amy has led cross functional drug development teams globally within a large CRO. She has a strong reputation for building client relationships and managing projects and combines a passion for pharmaceutical development and fostering collaborative relationships.

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Dr Kerry Illston

PhD

Kerry is an experienced Project Manager with over 25 years’ experience in molecular toxicology, new target identification/validation and nonclinical safety within large pharmaceutical and biotech companies and contract research organisations.  She has a strong background in driving complex, valuable, high profile drug development programmes.  Kerry draws on her knowledge and passion for science in drug development to identity and solve problems with innovative thinking.

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Sean Redmond

MSc

Sean is an experienced project toxicologist with more than 30 years of drug discovery and development experience gained in AstraZeneca, where he was formerly Senior Director of Oncology Safety.  He has led the safety assessment of multiple candidate drugs, delivering nonclinical strategies and bringing new molecules to clinical trial.  Sean has experience of working in the UK and US and specialises in oncology small molecules and nanomedicines.

David Jones

MSc, EurBiol, CBiol, FRSB, ERT, FBTS

David is a European Registered Toxicologist and a Fellow of the British Toxicology Society, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. David has over 45 years’ experience as a Toxicologist, both in the pharmaceutical industry and as a Regulator.  In his 25 years at the MHRA, the UK’s Regulatory Agency, he was responsible for assessing the nonclinical data for Clinical Trial Authorisation Applications and Marketing Authorisation Applications.  He also chaired over a hundred scientific advice meetings every year on behalf of the Agency’s Clinical Trials Unit.  While the UK was a member of the EU, David represented the MHRA in a number of working parties, including the Safety Working Party and the nonclinical group supporting the Paediatric Committee.  David represented the EU at ICH for many years and had input to most ICH Safety guidelines. His many years of experience at the MHRA provide invaluable insight to clients looking to take drugs into clinical trials.

Magali-Anne Maizières

MSc

Magali joined ApconiX in 2021 as an electrophysiologist to work both on manual and automated patch-clamp for client work. She completed 2 Bachelor of Science Degrees in Life Science and Biotechnology in Paris, France where she is from, before gaining a MSc in Pharmaceutical Science from the University in Bordeaux, France. After 3 years of laboratory experience at Sanofi in manual and automated patch-clamp, she spent 2 years in Cambridge working on cell-line engineering and neuroscience. Magali decided to go back to electrophysiology and joined ApconiX where she brings her love for ion channels, especially sodium channels, and her passion for patch-clamp.

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Nicholas Coltman

PhD

Nicholas Coltman recently completed his PhD in in vitro pre-clinical toxicological research (hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity, advanced in vitro models) through a BBSRC iCASE Scholarship with Sygnature Discovery Ltd at the University of Birmingham. Before this, Nic gained a master’s degree in molecular mechanistic toxicology and a post graduate certificate in advanced research methods and skills. He then gained invaluable industry experience first at Envigo and then at Sygnature Discovery. A creative and skilled scientific professional, Nic brings innovative new thinking to the team, alongside a solid knowledge of molecular and mechanistic toxicology.