Akari Therapeutics Appoints Dr. Patricia LoRusso To Scientific Advisory Board Ahead Of AKTX-101 Clinical Development

Akari Therapeutics Plc has appointed renowned medical oncologist Dr. Patricia LoRusso to its Scientific Advisory Board as the company prepares to advance its lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate, AKTX-101, into clinical development. The appointment comes as the oncology biotechnology company continues developing its novel RNA splicing modulator payload technology, with a Phase I first-in-human clinical trial for AKTX-101 targeted to begin in mid-2027.

Dr. LoRusso brings more than 25 years of experience in oncology, experimental therapeutics, and early-stage clinical drug development. She currently serves as the Amy and Joseph Perella Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) at Yale Cancer Center, where she is also Chief of Experimental Therapeutics and Associate Cancer Center Director of Experimental Therapeutics. Before joining Yale, she held several leadership positions at Wayne State University's Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, including Director of the Phase I Clinical Trials Program. She is also a former President of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and has contributed to numerous national oncology and clinical research initiatives.

Announcing the appointment, Akari Chief Executive Officer Abizer Gaslightwala described Dr. LoRusso as one of the most influential leaders in oncology drug development. He said her extensive experience in advancing first-in-human cancer therapies and her expertise in experimental oncology will be instrumental as the company prepares to move AKTX-101 into the clinic. He added that her strategic guidance will support the development of Akari's differentiated RNA splicing-based ADC platform and help maximize its potential for cancer patients.

Commenting on her appointment, Dr. LoRusso said she is excited to join Akari at a time when oncology innovation continues to evolve rapidly. She noted that targeting RNA splicing represents a promising and differentiated approach with the potential to address fundamental drivers of cancer biology. She added that she looks forward to working with the company's leadership to advance AKTX-101 and support the development of new treatment options for patients with significant unmet medical needs.

Dr. LoRusso has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific publications and has received numerous awards recognizing her contributions to oncology research and drug development. Her appointment further strengthens Akari's scientific leadership as the company advances AKTX-101, a TROP2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate powered by its proprietary PH1 payload, through IND-enabling studies and toward first-in-human clinical testing.