Charles Morris appointed chief development officer at ImmunoGen

Immunogen has appointed Dr Charles Morris as the company's chief development officer.

Dr Morris, who joins from Allos Therapeutics, will oversee all aspects of product development for the US cancer-focused biotech.

Its pipeline includes the investigational compounds IMGN901 - in phase II testing for the treatment of small-cell lung cancer - IMGN853, in phase I for the treatment of ovarian, lung, and other cancers that over-express folate receptor 1, and IMGN529 - in phase I testing for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

ImmunoGen said it also expects to advance a fourth compound into clinic studies in 2013.

"Charlie has extensive experience leading the strategic development and registration of novel oncology compounds — expertise essential to ImmunoGen with our advancing and expanding product pipeline," said Daniel Junius, president and CEO of the company.

“We are excited to have Charlie joining ImmunoGen at this important time in our transition to being a product development company."

Dr Morris was previously executive VP and chief medical officer at Allos for two years, holding similar responsibilities as to his current role.

Prior to joining Allos, which was acquired in September by Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, he served as VPof  worldwide clinical research at US biopharma company Cephalon, where he helped with the development of oncology drug Treanda (bendamustine).

He has also spent time with AstraZeneca, where his roles included VP, clinical development projects in oncology.