Ambrx Appoints Lawson Macartney, Ph.D., DVM, Chief Executive Officer

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  Ambrx today announced the appointment of Lawson Macartney, Ph.D., DVM, to president and chief executive officer of the company and a member of the board of directors. Macartney brings more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including recent work growing and diversifying the clinical pipeline of Shire Pharmaceuticals as senior vice president and head of emerging business unit.

"We are excited to have Lawson lead Ambrx as our pipeline of therapeutics, including our drug conjugates, continues to grow and mature," said John Diekman, Ph.D., chairman of Ambrx's board of directors. "Ambrx has demonstrated the strength of its technology base and pipeline through data and collaborations, and now we believe Lawson's expertise positions him to lead the company in the next stage of its growth."

Added Macartney, "Through my due diligence into the company's pipeline and technology, I see tremendous opportunities for continued growth of internal and partnered programs. Ambrx is well positioned to capitalize on the surge in interest in antibody drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies, and I look forward to leading the team through the next stages of development."

Prior to joining Shire in 2011, Macartney was senior vice president of global product strategy and project/portfolio management for GlaxoSmithKline PLC. In this role, he spent four years overseeing the commercial evaluation and commercial strategy for assets at all stages of development and identifying in-licensing opportunities. He previously held additional positions at GlaxoSmithKline, Astra Pharmaceuticals and Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals. Macartney received his doctorate from Glasgow University and a veterinary doctorate from Glasgow University Veterinary School. He is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.

About Ambrx

Ambrx Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company using an expanded genetic code to create best-in-class biotherapeutics, including antibody drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies and proteins with improved pharmacologic properties. The company is developing ARX201, a long-acting growth hormone that has successfully completed Phase 2b clinical trials. Ambrx has collaborations to discover and develop products incorporating Ambrx technology with Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Company and several undisclosed companies.  Ambrx is advancing a robust portfolio of product candidates that are optimized for efficacy, safety and ease of use in multiple therapeutic areas.  For additional information, visit www.ambrx.com.

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SOURCE Ambrx