Akari Therapeutics Strengthens Oncology R&D With Formation Of Scientific Advisory Board, Names Dr. Sara Hurvitz As Founding Member

Akari Therapeutics, Plc, an oncology-focused biotechnology company developing next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced the establishment of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and the appointment of its first member, Dr. Sara Hurvitz. The creation of the SAB marks an important milestone for Akari as it continues to strengthen its scientific and clinical development strategy. Abizer Gaslightwala, President and Chief Executive Officer of Akari Therapeutics, said that this step will help the company enhance its research direction and build a strong foundation for its oncology pipeline. 

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Sara Hurvitz as the inaugural member of our Scientific Advisory Board,” said Gaslightwala. “Dr. Hurvitz brings a remarkable depth of knowledge in ADC development and exceptional clinical expertise in cancer treatment. Her experience spans the full spectrum of oncology care, with particular focus on neoadjuvant therapies, targeted treatments for HER2-positive, estrogen receptor–positive, and triple-negative breast cancers, as well as immune-based approaches. Her insights into both established and emerging treatment paradigms will be instrumental as we advance our portfolio of first-in-class ADCs to address areas of high unmet medical need.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for joining Akari, Dr. Hurvitz said, “I am delighted to be part of Akari’s Scientific Advisory Board and contribute to the development of innovative, targeted therapies for patients with cancer. There is a significant opportunity to build upon scientific progress in ADC technology and provide new treatment options in areas where patients currently have limited choices. Over the years, I have seen how ADCs have transformed the oncology landscape, particularly in breast cancer, where targeted drug delivery has improved outcomes. The preclinical data Akari has generated so far are promising, and I look forward to helping guide the scientific and clinical direction of its programs as they advance toward the next generation of cancer therapies.”

Dr. Sara Hurvitz is an internationally renowned oncologist and a leader in the clinical development of ADCs and targeted therapies, especially in breast cancer research. Throughout her career, she has led numerous global clinical trials across all phases and has contributed to advancing ADCs and immune-based treatments that have redefined standards of care. Her expertise bridges both clinical practice and laboratory-based oncology research, making her an influential figure in cancer drug development.

Dr. Hurvitz currently serves as Professor of Medicine and Division Head of Hematology/Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and as Senior Vice President of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. Prior to this, she directed the breast oncology program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), co-directed the Santa Monica-UCLA Outpatient Oncology Practice, and served as the Medical Director of the Clinical Research Unit at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Over the course of her distinguished career, Dr. Hurvitz has received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to cancer research and clinical practice. These include the Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award, which she received from 2008 through 2015, and the 2023 European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Breast Cancer Award. In addition to her research leadership, she maintains an active clinical practice focused on the treatment of women with breast cancer and continues to play a key role in designing and leading national and international clinical trials that test novel targeted therapies.

Dr. Hurvitz earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southern California. She completed her internship and residency at UCLA, where she also served as Chief Resident in internal medicine, and subsequently completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology at UCLA in 2006. She holds board certifications in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology. Dr. Hurvitz is also a member of several leading professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the European Society of Medical Oncology.

Akari Therapeutics continues to expand its ADC pipeline, which currently includes AKTX-101, a Trop2 ADC featuring the company’s proprietary PH1 payload, and AKTX-102, a program targeting an undisclosed antigen, also using the PH1 payload. With the guidance of its newly formed Scientific Advisory Board and the expertise of Dr. Hurvitz, Akari aims to accelerate the development of innovative, first-in-class immuno-oncology ADCs designed to improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.