Mersana appoints Anna Protopapas as president and CEO

Mersana Therapeutics has named Anna Protopapas as president and CEO.

Protopapas joins the firm, which engineers antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), from Takeda subsidiary Millennium Pharmaceuticals, where she held the same role.

Commenting on her new role, Protopapas said: “ADCs are a proven approach to cancer with two drugs on the market and over 30 in the clinic. Mersana's Fleximer-ADCs are a best-in-class approach, which overcomes the limitations of other ADC technologies.

“I am very encouraged by the results to date and look forward to working alongside the team at Mersana to translate the technology into important therapies for patients.”

Protopapas has expansive strategic leadership experience, with a demonstrated track record in the biopharma industry. Amongst her time in the sector, Protopapas has served as a member of the executive committee of Takeda, led Takeda's oncology business during her time at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and also held the role of executive VP of global business development.

Protopapas will additionally join Mersana's board of directors.