Panthera further strengthens its oncology clinical trials team with the appointment of Matt Cooper as General Manager Oncology

Panthera Biopartners, an independent SMO (Site Management Organisation), has appointed Matt Cooper as General Manager, Oncology. Matt has extensive experience in the recruitment and running of clinical trials in oncology. Until recently, Matt has been Chief Operating Officer of DATA-CAN, the health data research hub for cancer.

With a PhD in molecular virology Matt has held a number of senior roles in the National Cancer Research Network where he had a particular focus on oncology trials. Matt also has broader clinical trial experience having held the position of Executive Director for Business Development & Marketing at the NIHR Clinical Research Network, the research delivery arm of the NHS.

Stuart Young CEO of Panthera, commented: “Oncology is a key area of focus for Panthera and Matt will bring further valuable knowledge and insight to this area of our business. In addition the broad experience he has across clinical research operations is going to be hugely valuable for Panthera as we continue to expand.”

Panthera Oncology is working in collaboration with Rutherford Health plc. The collaboration, called Panthera@theRutherford, combines Panthera’s expertise in managing and running clinical trials with Rutherford’s UK network of advanced centres and team of leading oncologists. 

Rutherford’s independent network currently consists of four cancer treatment centres in Newport, Reading, Bedlington and Liverpool and will draw patients from all over the UK offering Pharma and CROs access to patients through more than 170 referring oncologists.

Panthera Biopartners – an Independent Site Management Organisation

Panthera Biopartners was founded by Dr Ian Smith, founder of Synexus, and Professor John Lyon, previously a global executive at Covance in November 2019 and now has seven clinical trial sites across the UK with several more to be announced shortly.

Panthera is now running clinical trials in both primary care in therapy areas which are traditionally managed in primary care including cardiac disease, allergies, migraine, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes and NASH and in secondary care in neurology and in oncology.