Harpoon Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing novel T-cell and other immune-cell recruiting biologic therapies for the treatment of cancer and immunologic disorders, has announced the appointment of Che-Leung Law, Ph.D., to vice president, translational medicine.

Dr. Law brings nearly 20 years of experience in the discovery and development of novel biologics and small molecules in oncology and immuno-oncology to his position. Dr. Law most recently was senior director of preclinical research at Seattle Genetics, where he led target discovery, drug technology development, IND-enabling studies and translational research, including pharmacodynamic and biomarker research. Dr. Law previously held scientific positions at CDR Therapeutics and Xcyte Therapies. He was also an assistant professor in the department of microbiology at the University of Washington for several years. Dr. Law received his Ph.D. in pathobiology from the University of Minnesota and an M.Phil. in biochemistry from the University of Hong Kong.

“We are pleased to welcome Che-Leung to Harpoon, where his experience in immuno-oncology will be particularly important as we transition to a clinical-stage company,” said Jerry McMahon, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Harpoon Therapeutics. “Harpoon’s novel TriTAC discovery platform offers a new way to unleash the target cell-killing properties of a patient’s own immune system, and provides distinct therapeutic advantages over existing approaches. Che-Leung will be a valuable addition to the team and will oversee preclinical development, including IND filings for our first TriTAC products for the potential treatment of prostate, ovarian and lung cancers.”

In other news, Harpoon has added Ramy Ibrahim, M.D., to its scientific advisory board. Dr. Ibrahim, a recognized leader in clinical development of immunotherapy, is currently vice president and head of clinical development at the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. He helped develop some of the first breakthrough treatments in the field during his tenure at Bristol-Meyer Squibb (including Yervoy or ipilumimab) and MedImmune/AstraZeneca, where he served as the clinical vice president for immuno-oncology.

“The additions of Che-Leung and Ramy substantially enhance and broaden the capabilities of the Harpoon executive and advisory team,” said Luke Evnin, Ph.D., chairman of Harpoon and co-founder of MPM Capital. “Harpoon continues to expand its capabilities and is now well positioned for progression to the clinic with products that harness the immune system for the treatment of cancers."