Annual Report to Shareholders
Released
Released
Announcement PDF
ABN 16 165 160 841
ASX RELEASE
30 May 2023
Annual Report – Year Ended 31 March 2023
Amplia Therapeutics Limited (ASX: ATX) today releases its Annual Report – Year Ended 31 March
2023 (incorporating its Appendix 4E Preliminary Final Report YE 31 March 2023)
This ASX announcement was approved and authorised for release by the Board of Amplia Therapeutics.
- End Investor Contact:
Dr Chris Burns
Chief Executive Officer
chris@ampliatx.com
Media Contact:
H^CK Director, Haley Chartres
haley@hck.digital
+61 423 139 163
About Amplia Therapeutics Limited
Amplia Therapeutics Limited is an Australian pharmaceutical company advancing a pipeline of Focal
Adhesion Kinase (FAK) inhibitors for cancer and fibrosis. FAK is an increasingly important target in the
field of cancer immunology and Amplia has a particular development focus in fibrotic cancers such as
pancreatic cancer. FAK also plays a significant role in a number of chronic diseases, such as idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). For more information visit www.ampliatx.com and follow Amplia on Twitter
(@ampliatx) and LinkedIn.
Level 17, 350 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Email info@ampliatx.com
www.ampliatx.com
ANNUAL REPORT
1
FIGHT C
2022-2023
Amplia Therapeutics Ltd
Amplia Therapeutics recognises and respects
First Nations People and welcomes the
work of all those who strive for
health equality in Australia.
2
Contents
Letter from the Chairman ..................................................... 4
CEO’s Message ...................................................................... 6
Meet the Team ................................................................... 8
Company Snapshot ......................................................... 10
Review of Operations ...................................................... 13
Clinical Trials - bright minds, steady hands .................. 14
News Flow and Milestones .................................................. 16
Q&A with Dr Chris Burns, MD & CEO ..................................... 18
Advancing Amplia’s Preclinical Program ...................................... 20
Our Values ................................................................................................... 22
Financial Report .................................................................................................... 23
Letter from the Chairman
Dear Shareholders,
On behalf of your Board it is my pleasure to share with you the 2023 Annual Report of our Company.
This has been an important year for Amplia. Firstly, and most importantly, with the COVID pandemic largely
behind us we were able to move forward freely with our Phase 1b/2a trial of AMP945 in pancreatic cancer (the
ACCENT trial) and begin dosing patients. As I write this we are well into the dose range-finding stage of the
study with the third cohort completely enrolled. Initially recruitment into the study was slowed through some
delays at clinical sites as they dealt with COVID related staff shortages. Recruitment is now back on track and
we are grateful for the coordinated efforts of sites and the team of people managing the study.
The progress in the ACCENT trial is a credit to both Dr John Lambert, our inaugural CEO, and to Dr Chris Burns,
who was appointed as CEO and Managing Director in December 2022. We had high expectations that this
change of leadership would go very smoothly and those expectations have been justified. We thank John for
his leadership and sterling efforts in building the Company and establishing the clinical program for AMP945.
Chris Burns, as a fellow Board member and co-founder of the Company, was very well placed to takeover
this leadership role. In addition to driving the ACCENT trial, Chris has been active in exploring additional
opportunities for our FAK inhibitors through preclinical studies, and progress from these will be reported in
due course. Dr Terrie-Anne Cock, Head of Translational Biology, also joined the Company in the last year
(see page 21) and brings a wealth of invaluable experience in drug development.
This promising progress for Amplia is taking place in an environment where biotechnology companies
in Australia, and indeed around the world, are facing significant headwinds at present. Market
sentiment is poor, capital markets have shrunk, and as a consequence, deals (collaborations,
partnerships, acquisitions) with pharma and larger biotechs are down compared to historical
norms. Nevertheless, the Company remains confident that our developing dataset, both clinical
and preclinical, for our FAK inhibitors continues to add value to the Company and enhance
shareholder value as well as increase opportunities for commercial deal-making going forward.
Dr Burns is well established in his new role as CEO and making significant contributions to
Amplia. Progress over recent months reflects his leadership of our small, experienced, and
cohesive management team. I am grateful for the significant contributions and guidance
of my fellow Directors. The Board’s collegial approach and ‘roll-up-the sleeves’ attitude has
undoubtedly added to the Company’s success.
In conclusion, Amplia continues to make excellent progress with the ACCENT trial while
exploring additional value-creating opportunities for our FAK inhibitors.
Warwick Tong
Independent Non-Executive Chair
4
“
We are resolutely
focused on ethical drug
development – and the
next 12-18 months will be
a defining chapter in our
journey to improve the
lives of people with
pancreatic cancer.
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN,
WARWICK TONG
CEO’s Message
This past year has been a significant one for Amplia as we initiated our first clinical trial in patients.
The ACCENT trial in advanced pancreatic cancer patients was approved by Human Research Ethics Committees
in April and May 2022, and the first patient was dosed in early August 2022. We now have seven sites open
across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and the pace of recruitment has now substantially improved after a
slow start impacted by lingering COVID constraints. This trial is in two stages: the first stage (Phase 1b) is a
dose-range finding stage where increasing doses of AMP945 are tested in cohorts of three patients to assess
safety, tolerability and PK/PD* effects; the second stage (Phase 2a) is directed towards testing the best dose
identified from the Phase 1b portion in up to 50 patients and assessing for signs of clinical efficacy. Over the
course of this financial year, we successfully completed dosing two cohorts in the Phase 1b portion of the trial.
Looking forward, we anticipate completing the Phase 1b portion of the trial in the third quarter of the year and
starting the Phase 2a component of the trial before year end.
In the background the Amplia team have been expanding the formal preclinical work on AMP945 to allow for
regulatory filings with the Korean and US drug regulators to enable expansion of the trial to these countries.
In particular, our goal is to open sites in Korea later this year so that these sites can participate in the Phase 2a
portion of the trial. Also noteworthy is that chemical synthesis of the drug on scale has progressed smoothly,
as has manufacture of the final capsule form for use in the trial.
We have continued to explore additional clinical opportunities for our FAK assets AMP945 and AMP886
across a range of disease indications. Studies undertaken over the year with AMP945 for the debilitating
lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) demonstrated that the compound performs as well
as the current standard-of-care drug nintedanib in a preclinical model of the disease. This result
is extremely promising given that the annual sales for nintedanib are >US$2b despite it being
poorly tolerated by patients. Our IND-enabling studies with AMP945 in IPF are continuing. We
routinely review the scientific literature for research identifying FAK’s role in disease, and where
a FAK inhibitor may be a potential treatment option. A number of preliminary laboratory
studies have been initiated with AMP945 over the year, and findings will be reported once
the studies are complete. In addition, we have trialled our second FAK inhibitor, AMP886,
in specific mouse models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a poorly treated blood cancer.
Our data clearly demonstrated that AMP886 reduced disease burden in treated animals
in a dose-dependent manner and further studies are underway to explore the competitive
potential of AMP886 in this indication, compared with opportunities for this compound in
solid tumours.
This year also saw a change of leadership at Amplia Therapeutics, with the departure of
Dr John Lambert and my appointment. I am extremely grateful to the Board for giving me
the opportunity to lead the Company at this exciting time and ensuring that the transition
proceeded smoothly. I would personally like to thank John for his assistance in the transition
and for building such an exceptional group of co-workers at the Company. The team at Amplia
is top-notch and the uninterrupted progress across our manifold activities is testament to this.
Everything we do at Amplia is made possible by the support of our shareholders and investors.
We remain focused on increasing shareholder value by progressing our programs in the most
capital-efficient manner, to address serious unmet medical needs.
Dr Christopher Burns
CEO & MD
*PK/PD = pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
6
“
Our primary goal is to
advance the development
of AMP945 in pancreatic
cancer by completing the
ACCENT trial, and moving
towards registration enabling trials in Australia,
the US and Europe.
CEO & MD,
DR CHRISTOPHER BURNS
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
WARWICK TONG MB ChB MPP GAICD
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board
Warwick is a NZ trained physician with more than 25 years’ experience
in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Dr Tong was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 4th of May 2018
and Chairman on 25th May 2018. Dr Tong is also a member of the
Audit Committee.
CHRISTOPHER BURNS B.Sc. (Hons) PhD GAICD
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Chris is an experienced drug discovery leader having worked in various
roles in pharma, biotech and academia for 30 years.
Dr Burns was originally appointed as a Non-Executive Director on
4th May 2018 and was subsequently appointed as Chief Executive
Officer and Managing Director on 5th December 2022.
ROBERT PEACH PhD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Robert has over 25 years of drug discovery and development
experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
Dr Peach was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director
on 2nd of September 2015 and is a member of the Remuneration
Committee.
JANE BELL BEc, LLB, LLM (Lond), FAICD
Independent Non-Executive Director
Jane is a banking and finance lawyer and non-executive director with
more than 30 years’ experience in leading law firms, financial services
and corporate treasury operations in Melbourne, London, Toronto,
San Francisco and Brisbane.
Ms Bell was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director on
12th April 2021 and is Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
8
Meet the Team
Executive Team
Scientific Advisers
CHRISTOPHER BURNS BSc (Hons) PhD, GAICD
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
PROFESSOR MARGARET FRAME OBE, PhD
FAK Biology Adviser
RHIANNON JONES BSc (Hons) PhD, GAICD
PROFESSOR PAUL TIMPSON PhD
Chief Operating Officer
FAK Biology Adviser
HAMISH GEORGE CA, BCom, GIA(Cert)
DR MARK DEVLIN BSc (Hons) PhD GradD Drug Dev MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Scientific Adviser
ANDREW J. COOKE LL.B
DR JULIE BULLOCK PhD
Company Secretary
Clinical Pharmacology Consultant
CHARLOTTE MULDER BVSc (Hons), MBA
Principal Development Manager
ANTHONY BISHOP BSc, GradDip
Principal Development Manager
TERRIE-ANNE COCK PhD
Head of Translational Biology
ADRIAN SULISTIO B Eng (Hons), B. Com, PhD
CMC Project Manager
NICOLE KRUGER BSc
Clinical Operations Manager
Clinical Advisers
DR JOSE IGLESIAS MD
Clinical Adviser (Oncology)
DR JASON LICKLITER MBBS, FRACP
Medical Adviser
Company Snapshot
The team is developing two potent, orally-available
inhibitors of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK),
which show promise in treating cancer and
fibrotic diseases.
Amplia is a drug
development
company focused
on new treatments
for cancer and
fibrotic diseases.
The lead compound, AMP945, is currently being studied in a Phase 1b/2a
clinical trial for advanced pancreatic cancer, in combination with
standard-of-care chemotherapy gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, in Australia.
A Phase 1 clinical trial of AMP945 in healthy volunteers was successfully completed in 2021.
Australian Innovation
Amplia’s lead drug candidates, AMP945 and AMP886, were both discovered in Melbourne, Australia by
researchers at the Cancer Therapeutics CRC – a successful cancer research collaboration between Australia’s
leading research institutes, universities, and biotechnology companies. Recognising the potential of both
molecules, the Company proudly brought this promising technology from the lab, into clinical development.
Following a successful Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers, the Company is now conducting the ACCENT trial,
a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of AMP945 in first line pancreatic cancer patients across seven clinical sites in
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase
Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) inhibitors are a promising area of cancer research. FAK is an increasingly
important target in cancer and particularly cancers that generate a protective fibrotic and immunosuppressive
microenvironment around the tumour cells. At this stage of its development, Amplia is targeting resources on
fibrotic cancers, of which pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly.
By targeting FAK, we have the potential to disrupt these fibrotic and immunosuppressive pathways and slow
the progression of cancer. Additionally, FAK inhibitors have shown promise in treating other fibrotic diseases,
such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which opens up an alternate area of therapeutic potential for
Amplia’s pipeline drugs.
10
AMP945
Lead candidate, AMP945, is a highly selective and potent FAK inhibitor that has shown promising results in
preclinical studies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic cancer is a difficult to treat cancer, with a low survival rate – only 3 out of 10 people (35.5%) will
survive one year after diagnosis of pancreatic cancer1. Fibrotic shields protect many solid tumours from
chemotherapy. Amplia’s FAK inhibitors aim to remove this shield, making the tumours more susceptible
to chemotherapy.
In preclinical models of other (non-cancer) fibrotic diseases, the efficacy of AMP945 has been shown to be
similar to or better than current standard-of-care therapies.
FAK
inhibitor
Fibrotic tumour
microenvironment (FAK)
Exposed
tumour
Dead
tumour
Created with BioRender.com
Amplia’s ACCENT trial is a multicentre, open label, two-part study to determine whether AMP945,
when given prior to dosing with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, improves response to
chemotherapy in first-line patients with unresectable or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Recruitment is now underway.
AMP886
AMP886 is also a highly potent FAK inhibitor, that also inhibits two other validated disease targets. Preclinical
studies suggest AMP886 may have clinical potential in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and
certain solid tumours.
1
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia
11
Pipeline
Amplia continues to explore the potential of both AMP945 and AMP886 in a range of preclinical models of
cancer and fibrotic disease to identify future development, partnering, and licensing opportunities. The current
development pipeline is strong.
Current Status
Next 12 Months
Drug
Indication
Therapy
AMP945
Pancreatic
Cancer
Combination
Therapy
AMP945
Idiopathic
pulmonary
fibrosis (IPF)
Monotherapy
AMP945
Cancers and
fibrotic disease
Combo/
Monotherapies
AMP886
Cancers and
fibrotic disease
Combo/
Monotherapy
Preclinical
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
(approval)
Established Networks
Amplia has built strong connections with highly respected clinicians and researchers within the oncology
community – both in Australia and worldwide. These experts provide valuable insight into the development
of its therapies and help guide clinical trial strategies.
In addition, the Company has built a network of respected drug development advisers, contract research
organisations and clinical operations specialists so that our trials are conducted efficiently and to world’s
best practice.
12
Review of Operations
The Road Ahead
Amplia is constantly exploring new ways to collaborate, innovate, and deliver life-changing
outcomes for patients around the world. As a values-driven company, Amplia is motivated to
build a better future for our team, collaborating stakeholders, and the wider community.
Robust plans are in place to safeguard the Company’s long-term growth and sustainability. While
the focus continues to be on advancing Amplia’s lead asset AMP945 through the clinic via the
ACCENT trial in pancreatic cancer, there are clear plans to maximise the potential of the
FAK inhibitor development program in other cancers and fibrotic diseases too. Amplia is also
investing in its team and infrastructure to sustainably support its operations.
Strategic Planning
The goal is to position
Amplia for the future
by building a more
sophisticated and
scalable company.
Under the direction of
a highly credentialed
Board, the Company
is underpinned by a
culture of innovation
and excellence –
with planning and
preparation, both
cornerstones of
its success.
2022 represented a year
of increased activity for
Amplia as it progressed
its Phase 1b/2a ACCENT
trial in pancreatic cancer.
Considered forwardplanning was a crucial
part of this, enabling the
team to establish strong
working relationships
with key opinion leading
(KOL) doctors and their
patients, to effectively
recruit for, and
implement the clinical
The Amplia team is
highly motivated,
with deep and varied
expertise. The Company
has assembled talented
individuals with diverse
backgrounds and skills
across all areas of
operations, from the lab
bench to the clinic. Its
in-house credentials are
bolstered by a network
of trusted specialist
advisors too.
program. Targeted
activities to amplify
awareness of,
and engagement
with, the trial has also
been successful.
In early 2023, the Amplia
team ran a strategic
planning workshop to
reflect on the Company’s
strengths, to identify
new opportunities, and
set priorities for the
future that are aligned
with clear values and
purpose – a regular
checkpoint, as the
Company grows
and nurtures a
high-achieving
culture along the way.
Streamlining
Operations
Amplia is futureproofing its operations
by investing in the
improvement of
systems and processes,
including in areas of
project management,
cyber-security and
quality systems.
Growing The Team
Building a worldclass team is critical
to achieving Amplia’s
mission, so recruiting
and supporting an
appropriately skilled
workforce has been a
primary focus of FY22-23.
In particular, the Quality
Management System
(QMS) framework
will enable the team
to manage drug
13
development processes,
from early research
to clinical trials and
commercialisation.
The integration of a
QMS into Amplia’s
operations will help to
improve efficiencies,
ensure compliance with
regulatory requirements,
and maintain the highest
standards of quality
across all activities.
ESG
In line with Amplia’s
values-driven approach,
the Company is
currently exploring
ways to incorporate ESG
(Environment, Society,
Governance) initiatives
into its operations.
By adopting a more
sustainable and socially
responsible approach
to business, Amplia
will create long-term
value for its valued
stakeholders and
positively impact the
communities it serves.
Clinical trials bright minds, steady hands
Clinical trials are a crucial step in the development of new medical treatments - but it’s no
secret they are complex and demanding, with strict regulatory requirements, ethical
standards, and safety guidelines. Recruiting experienced and steady hands to guide
the process is vital, which is exactly what we have done at Amplia.
The launch of Amplia’s ACCENT trial in 2022 was the culmination of rigorous planning and
collaboration, and signalled a critical milestone in the development of AMP945. Amplia’s
team of experienced clinical trial experts have been integral to its success, leveraging
specialist expertise every step of the way.
“Initiating a Phase 2 clinical trial requires an immense breadth of knowledge of the
operational, regulatory and logistical elements of clinical trial development. Fortunately,
Amplia has assembled an exceptional team of employees and collaborators dedicated
to ensuring that not only are there no gaps in the science, but that the clinical
development process runs as smoothly and successfully as possible,” explains
Amplia’s CEO and MD, Dr Chris Burns.
With regulatory approval and commercialisation the ultimate goals, Amplia must
maintain meticulous documentation of the entire clinical development journey.
This is an administrative responsibility that is not only required for regulatory
compliance, but also safeguards the Company in the event of staffing changes
during the course of the clinical development process.
Amplia’s Clinical Operations Manager, Nicole Kruger, is no stranger to the complexities
of managing clinical research programs. Nicole has been working in the biotechnology
and pharmaceutical sector for three decades, helping biotechnology companies to
implement and manage their clinical research programs and projects.
While planning a clinical trial, and its many moving parts can sound onerous, Nicole says
Amplia’s rigorous processes, including their approach to record-keeping combined with a
specialist team and experienced trial sites, helped to streamline the commencement of the
ACCENT trial.
“It can be complex, but not difficult,” she explained. “The team has worked closely with each of the clinical trial
sites who conduct the trials, to bring together all the necessary documentation and procedures required to ensure
that our clinical protocols are ethical and scientifically sound,” said Nicole.
Nicole’s knowledge and understanding of the regulatory and governance frameworks that underpin the clinical
trials process means that the ACCENT trial remains on track, meeting all necessary checkpoints as they arise
during the trial. As Amplia nears Stage 2 of the trial, preparations are ongoing to ensure that the clinical trial
program continues to meet both clinical and regulatory milestones – on time, and on budget.
“There is a responsibility, as the trial Sponsor, to ensure that we meet our legal and ethical responsibilities, and that
patient wellbeing remains at the heart of our clinical program,” said Dr Burns.
“We are very fortunate to be able to lean on a dynamic and highly-focused team that understands the work that
needs to be done, can navigate the challenges, and believes in our vision to help bring more effective treatments to
pancreatic cancer patients”.
14
Relationship building,
the secret to trial recruitment
Establishing a transparent, supportive and productive
working relationship with the trial sites is vital to support
successful recruitment to a clinical trial.
“Clinical development is as much about logistics and
relationship-building as it is about the science,” explains
Amplia’s Principal Development Manager, Anthony Bishop.
“Once the trial protocol is agreed and approved, we work closely with
the sites to maintain clear, open and timely communication of all data
and developments as they arise.”
Anthony works closely with the trial sites to make sure the recruitment
process is smooth, with a steady stream of patients moving through.
Each site has a clinical trial coordinator who interfaces with the
patients, and Amplia meets regularly with them to ensure that the
site has all the necessary information and documentation in place
to recruit patients.
With over 25 years in pharmaceutical development, Anthony
has been involved in many clinicals trials – from both the
sponsor and the CRO perspective.
“ There are many moving parts and resources that need to
come together, and sensitively navigating the challenges
for both is definitely an advantage to keep things
moving forward.”
Now recruiting
The ACCENT Phase 2 clinical trial
is now recruiting people who
have been diagnosed with
advanced pancreatic cancer,
specifically those patients who have
inoperable pancreatic cancer or
whose cancer has spread to other
parts of the body. Patients will be
initially recruited through treating
doctors at hospitals in Melbourne,
Sydney, and Brisbane.
In total, it is expected that the
trial will recruit approximately
62 participants.
Learn more:
ampliatx.com/accent
News Flow and Milestones
Media Headlines
The launch of Amplia’s ACCENT trial attracted attention from top-tier media outlets and industry
publications. This coverage highlights Amplia’s growing reputation and recognition as a pioneering force in
the biotechnology industry.
Trial launch makes national headlines
In partnership with research collaborators at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Amplia launched a
media campaign to support recruitment of pancreatic cancer patients for the ACCENT clinical trial.
The media campaign initially made national headlines with a page 3 feature in The Australian, by Health
Editor Natasha Robinson. The article, titled ‘Drug to tear down pancreatic tumour defences’ explained the
importance of Amplia’s research, and the novel treatment capabilities of FAK inhibitor, AMP945.
The drug, AMP945, has the potential to make chemotherapy much more effective because it breaks
down a fibrous shield that surrounds cancer cells that makes them difficult to penetrate.
The trial was also featured on prime-time television, with Channel 9’s Health Reporter, Gabriella Rogers,
meeting with Amplia’s former CEO, Dr John Lambert, and Garvan Institute’s, Professor Paul Timpson, to discuss
Amplia’s Phase1b/2a clinical trial of AMP945 in people with pancreatic cancer.
16
Northern Exposure: Queensland media embraces ACCENT trial
In February 2023, Amplia opened a trial site in Queensland, bringing the total number of clinical trial
sites to seven across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The announcement attracted significant
coverage across television, print and radio.
Channel 9 News filmed an interview with clinical trial investigator at Greenslopes Private Hospital,
Dr Warren Joubert. The segment also featured pancreatic cancer patient, Judi Adams, who bravely
shared her own experience with the disease – together with a passionate plea encouraging patient
participation in medical research.
Courier Mail Health Reporter, Jackie Sinnerton, published an article titled “New hope for advanced
pancreatic cancer patients in clinical trials,” highlighting the importance of new therapies in the face of
grim survival statistics for patients.
Amplia CEO and MD, Dr Chris Burns, also spoke with Craig Zonca and Loretta Ryan on ABC Radio Brisbane
Breakfast to discuss the details of the trial, and how patients could get involved.
ASX announcements
April 2022
Amplia Receives Ethics Clearance for Phase 2 Trial in Pancreatic Cancer Patients
May 2022
Amplia Receives Second Ethics Clearance for Phase 2 Trial
June 2022
AMP945 Shows Efficacy in Model of Lung Fibrosis
August 2022
First Patient Recruited to ACCENT Trial in Pancreatic Cancer
August 2022
Amplia receives $1.8m R&D Tax Incentive
September 2022
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Conference Presentation
October 2022
AMP886 Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
November 2022
Amplia appoints Dr Christopher Burns as CEO and Managing Director
November 2022
Enrolment of the first cohort of patients into ACCENT Trial completed
November 2022
Dose Escalation Approved in ACCENT Clinical Trial of AMP945
January 2023
First Patient Recruited to Cohort 2 of ACCENT Trial in Pancreatic Cancer
February 2023
ACCENT clinical trial presentation at the 35th Annual Lorne Cancer Conference
February 2023
Amplia’s FAK inhibitor program presented at Next Generation Kinase Inhibitors
Summit in Boston, USA
Enrolment of the second cohort of patients in the ongoing Phase 1b/2a ACCENT
clinical trial completed
February 2023
17
Q&A
with Dr Chris Burns, CEO & MD
An experienced leader with over 25 years in drug discovery and development, Dr Chris Burns
co-founded Amplia Therapeutics in 2016. He has been a Director on the Amplia Board since 2018,
and in December 2022, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
Tell us about your background and how you came to be the CEO of Amplia Therapeutics?
I have worked in drug discovery and development for most of my professional career.
In 2016, a group of like-minded drug developers got together in Melbourne and together we founded Amplia,
with the goal of developing the FAK inhibitors discovered at the Cancer Therapeutics CRC. Once we had
secured the IP, we set about building and financing the Company, ultimately settling on reverse-listing onto the
ASX in 2018.
I became a Director of the Company at that time and have worked closely with the other Board members and
management to help progress the development of the FAK assets. In late 2022, Dr John Lambert announced
his retirement and I stepped into the CEO role in December 2022.
What are the core values and mission of Amplia Therapeutics, and how do they guide the
Company’s direction?
Our core values of Patient Focus, Integrity, Respect, Performance, Innovation, Accountability and Excellence
succinctly describe our approach to our mission of developi
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