| 2018-11-30 |    |
Bovine TB Test Developers Appoint New Commercial Director
Bovine TB test developers, PBD Biotech, have appointed a new Commercial Director to meet growing international interest in their new Actiphage diagnostic.
PBD Biotech is delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Hammond as its new Commercial Director. With a strong track record in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, Mark brings with him a wealth of business development and commercial expertise to lead the diagnostic developer’s international growth strategy.
Mark Hammond, PBD Biotech new Commercial Director
Commenting on his appointment, Mark said:
“I am delighted to take
up this role with PBD
Biotech, an early-stage company that is fast
gaining international traction.
“There is an enormous need for tools to better detect and control TB and other mycobacterial disease in livestock and other animals. PBD’s Actiphage® test is unique in that it can rapidly identify the presence of live bacteria within hours and has huge global potential as a fast and accurate diagnostic. I am excited about what the future holds for PBD Biotech.”
Mycobacteria are a cause of a number of diseases in cattle and other species, such as Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP; Johne’s Disease).
Prior to joining Suffolk-based PBD Biotech, Mark held a number of senior leadership roles covering strategic, commercial and operational development within both public and private companies such as Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Intertek and Melbourn Scientific.
PBD Biotech has recently closed a successful strategic funding round that has accelerated the company’s global commercialisation strategy. Its Actiphage products include a blood test, to aid early detection of disease and improve its management in herds, and a milk test for quality assurance of dairy products.
PBD Biotech CEO, Dr
Berwyn Clarke, said:
“Mark’s knowledge of pharma and
healthcare will be invaluable to PBD Biotech as we build on the company’s
fast-growing reputation as a leader in mycobacterial diagnostics. The ability
of the company to attract someone of Mark’s capability is a real endorsement
of the growing recognition of our technology as a transformational tool
in disease management in both animals and in man.”
He continued:
“Actiphage’s
phage-based detection method has applications across a number of market
sectors and geographies. Mark will be integral to realising its full commercial
potential.”
With Actiphage having secured its key patent from the European Patent Office, Mark’s first focus will be securing the significant market interest that has been developed from multiple sectors within the UK and internationally – with major initiatives already underway in France, Canada, the USA and South America.
