Defence Therapeutics (CSE: DTC; OTCQB: DTCFF; FSE: DTC) has appointed Ryan Simms, PhD, as chief operating officer (COO) and head of radiopharmaceutical programs, strengthening the company’s leadership and development capabilities as it advances its radiopharmaceutical drug conjugate programs.
Dr. Simms’ extensive experience in radiopharmaceutical development and operations includes a track record spanning the advancement of targeted radiopharmaceuticals from discovery through clinical development. He served in key leadership roles at Fusion Pharmaceuticals—acquired by AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) in 2024—where he directed chemistry, radiochemistry, clinical manufacturing, and external partnerships supporting multiple clinical-stage programs.
In a statement, Dr. Simms remarked, “I am excited to join Defence at a time when the company is expanding its capabilities and ambitions in radiopharmaceuticals. We have promising candidates in development and a clear path to advance them. Our immediate priority is to select a lead candidate and move it systematically through preclinical characterization, while establishing the CMC [chemistry, manufacturing, and controls] and manufacturing framework required to support its progression toward the clinic. More details will come soon.”
