FOUNDER AND CSO

Associate Professor Michelle Wykes the lead investigator on the development of Fovero Therapeutics’ Galactin-9 platform.

She is an esteemed immunologist and Group Leader of the Molecular Immunology Laboratory at The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Queensland.

Her research journey began in London at The Royal Postgraduate Medical School, where she focused on B cells. Later, at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at Oxford University, she conducted groundbreaking work on dendritic cell function.

Since moving to Australia in 1999, A/Prof Wykes has been a driving force in immunological research. Her laboratory's notable achievements include the discovery that Programmed cell death 1 Ligand 2 (PD-L2) functions as an activator, contrary to previous understanding. This groundbreaking finding challenged existing dogma and has opened up new possibilities in immunotherapy.

A/Prof Wykes has been recognized with prestigious grants and awards, including a QLD Government Smart Future Fellowship, an ARC Future Fellowship, a Kavli Fellowship from the National Academy of Science, and the Australia/NZ CSL Research Accelerator Initiative prize.

Through her expertise and dedication, A/Prof Michelle Wykes is shaping the future of immunology research and driving progress in understanding immune system activation and inhibition.

DIRECTOR

Robert is Director of Fovero Therapeutics and General Manager Business Development at QIMR Berghofer. Robert is a financial investment professional and cancer cell biologist by training and brings extensive commercialisation and leadership experience and a track record of creating and executing successful business development deals across multiple therapeutic areas.

At QIMR Berghofer, Robert has led the business development unit, managed and expanded commercial alliances and negotiated transactions with top ten pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Prior to joining QIMR Berghofer, Robert was at UniQuest in the life sciences and health teams.

Robert completed his PhD and post-doctoral studies in cancer cell biology at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) at the University of Queensland (UQ). During his PhD, Robert completed professional finance and investment qualifications from the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (now Kaplan). Robert also completed post-graduate business studies majoring in commercialisation at the UQ Business School and finance at the Queensland University of Technology Business School. Robert is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD) and during his time at UQ served as a member of UQ’s Young Alumni Advisory Board.

KEY OPINION LEADER

Associate Professor Melissa Eastgate is a highly respected medical oncologist, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Medical Oncology at the RBWH (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital) and Key Opinion Leader for Fovero Therapeutics.

Melissa is a member of the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials group as well as the Melanoma and Skin Cancer trials group and has been a Principal Investigator for more than 15 clinical trials in the areas of melanoma, colorectal cancer and hepatocellular cancer. This includes trials from Phase 1 through to Phase 3. Melissa has also been involved in health services research, including the development of an online PROMs tool which is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial.

With a strong background in medicine and a specialization in Medical Oncology achieved in 2004, she has become a leading figure in the field. Melissa's main clinical interests lie in melanoma and gastrointestinal cancers, areas where she actively conducts research. She is also recognized for her role in establishing the Melanoma Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) at RBWH, facilitating comprehensive care for patients.

In addition to her clinical work, Melissa is deeply committed to improving patient access to care. She has dedicated significant time and effort to providing outreach services in Bundaberg for a remarkable nine years. Currently, she leads the Telechemotherapy service in Longreach and Barcaldine, ensuring that patients in remote areas have access to vital treatments. Melissa's passion for enhancing patient care extends to her involvement as the Deputy Chair of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia and her affiliation with the QIMR (QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute).

With her wealth of experience, commitment to research, and unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes, Associate Professor Melissa Eastgate plays a crucial role in advancing the field of medical oncology. Her expertise and leadership make her an invaluable asset in providing comprehensive cancer care and ensuring that all patients receive the highest quality of treatment, regardless of their location.

DIRECTOR

Scott is Director of Fovero Therapeutics and Senior Legal Counsel at QIMR Berghofer. Scott is a senior legal professional with broad range of international experience focusing on intellectual property and commercialisation.

At QIMR Berghofer, Scott provides lead support for the business development unit and is a key member of commercialisation transaction teams. Prior to joining QIMR Berghofer, Scott held senior legal positions in ASX 100 (Flight Centre) and Fortune 100 (The Walt Disney Company) listed companies as well as working in leading law firms across the globe (Freehills and Freshfield Bruckhaus Deringer).

Scott completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa before undertaking a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Queensland. Scott qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor in Ontario, Canada prior to practicing in the UK for 8 years and then qualifying as a Solicitor in Queensland.