Mission Theraputics has appointed Dr. James Summers as an independent member to its Board of Directors, with immediate effect.

Dr. Summers brings over 30 years of drug discovery and pharmaceutical research management experience to Mission’s Board. His most recent position was as vice president of Neuroscience Research at AbbVie, where he led drug discovery efforts in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, pain, and psychiatric disorders.

He has established new research sites in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shanghai, China and led the way in refocusing the research strategies of this global organisation, as well as championing multiple successful deals, collaborations and investments and advanced more than 20 compounds into clinical development.

Dr. Anker Lundemose, chief executive officer at Mission, added: "Since the start of the AbbVie collaboration in November 2018, the Mission team has already benefited from the strength of Jim’s specialist knowledge and sector experience. We believe that he will be of tremendous value to the Company as we continue to progress our therapeutic pipeline.”