Robert W. Wilkinson

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ROBERT W. WILKINSON

An experienced, inspirational oncology drug hunter with deep understanding of small molecule and biologics drug discovery. Helped to bring many new drugs into clinical trials, including a key contributor to the nomination of 13 candidate drugs (CDs) and >10 investigational new drugs (INDs), and 2 launched drugs, Imfinzi® (PD-L1) and Imjudo® (CTLA-4).An authentic leader with a passion for building and leading high-functioning teams/organisations doing groundbreaking cancer research and drug discovery. Strong communicator with a proven ability to influence broadly at all levels, driving innovation and raising scientific quality whilst promoting a culture of trust and mutual integrity.A pioneer in Immuno-oncology (IO) drug discovery, at AstraZeneca/MedImmune proposed PD-L1 as a T cell checkpoint target and devised the drug discovery plan. Since the first approval in 2017, more than patients have been treated with Imfinzi®. A core contributor of multiple other IO discovery programs, including Volrustomig (formerly MEDI5752) a bispecific antibody targeting PD1/CTLA-4, currently in Phase Recently, conceived AstraZeneca\'s NextGen IO scientific vision, led the global NextGen IO unit and translated its strategy into action, establishing a sustainable NextGen discovery pipeline.A track record of identifying and implementing novel drug platforms, spanning small molecules (antineoplastic kinase inhibitors, TLR agonists), fusion protein, mono- and bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), mRNA, and oncolytic virotherapy.An expert scientist in cancer biology, immunology, and drug discovery/translation having presented at national and international scientific meetings and been a co-author on over 85 peer-reviewed publications.