Antisoma plc, a London-based biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel products for the treatment of cancer, announced the opening of its United States headquarters in the Princeton area. Chris Smyth, head of clinical operations at Antisoma, has been appointed vice president, U.S. operations. The new office will focus on the clinical and regulatory progress of Antisoma’s oncology pipeline, including the company’s partnership to co-commercialize a lung cancer drug with Novartis.
Glyn Edwards, chief executive officer of Antisoma, commented: “This is the optimal time for Antisoma to open an office in the U.S., where much of our clinical activity is already focused. New Jersey offers an ideal location, given the proximity to so much of the U.S. pharma and biotechnology industry and with easy access to New York and to an unrivalled pool of specialist talent. Our pipeline continues to advance, with our partner Novartis planning to begin a phase III study of ASA404 in lung cancer early next year, and the first phase II data on AS1411 in acute myeloid leukemia expected soon.”
In addition to Mr. Smyth, Antisoma is adding a number of positions to its Princeton office, including regulatory affairs and clinical development.

