Singapore: Australian drug discovery firm, Imugene, has appointed Mr Charles Walker as Chief Executive Officer of Imugene.

Mr Walker has broad and successful experience across many aspects of the biotechnology and life sciences industry. His experience includes significant operational and leadership experience, a strong capital markets track record from executing nearly 50 international fundraisings both as principal and advisor, as well as a detailed scientific understanding gained from his technical background in pharmacology. Most recently, Mr Walker was CEO as well as former CFO of ASX-listed biopharmaceutical company Alchemia. His three year tenure at Alchemia saw the launch and growth of sales of Alchemia's first marketed product fondaparinux, the initiation of Phase III and Phase II clinical trials of Alchemia's anti-cancer drug candidate HA-Irinotecan, and the establishment of collaborations with Astra Zeneca AB and Merck-Serono.

Mr Paul Hopper, executive chairman, Imugene said, "Charlie is an outstanding candidate to move Imugene to the next stage of its development. He has that rare successful blend of science and commerce in his professional career and we are delighted he has agreed to be part of our team."

Mr Walker said "Imugene's HER-Vaxx gastric cancer immunotherapy is very promising science with the prospect of delivering very high value commercial products, and I am eager to drive its development into FDA-standard Phase 2 trials in the near future. The Company's scientific founders are world-class and have worked tirelessly to reduce the risks of commercialisation while giving the technology.