Virax Biolabs Group Limited (“Virax” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: VRAX), an innovative diagnostics company focused on the detection of immune responses and diagnosis of viral diseases, announced today the appointment of Dr. Nigel McCracken as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer (“COO”). Dr. McCracken will succeed Mr. Cameron Shaw, who is moving to Virax’s Advisory Board, and will lead the Company’s various growth initiatives, including the Company’s expected near-term research-use-only launch of ViraxImmune™.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. McCracken to our executive team,” commented Mr. James Foster, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Virax. “With over 10 years of experience in diagnostics and deep experience in various operational roles, including overseeing the optimization and rollout of products from preclinical to commercial stage at multinational healthcare companies including Abbott Laboratories, Nigel is well equipped to execute on our growth initiatives for ViraxImmune™.” Mr. Foster continued, “On behalf of the executive leadership team and the board of directors, I would like to thank Mr. Shaw for his innumerable contributions to Virax Biolabs and his unwavering commitment to our overall mission.”
As COO, Dr. McCracken will lead Virax’s research and clinical teams as well as the execution of the Company’s go-to-market strategy for ViraxImmune™. Prior to joining Virax, Dr. McCracken was the Chief Scientific Officer at OTC traded BerGenBio AsA where he drove the plan for BerGenBio AsA’s companion diagnostics and assay development. Prior to that role, he served as COO at Nasdaq listed NuCana PLC, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on significantly improving treatment outcomes for patients with cancer, where he provided oversight and direction to the operations of the business, research and development, and execution of corporate strategy. Dr. McCracken obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacology from Kings College London, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biochemical Toxicology from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology from Strathclyde University.
“Virax’s immune response detection capabilities are at the cutting edge of diagnostic innovation, and I am thrilled to be in a position to strategically accelerate the Company’s growth and build a world class commercial organization dedicated to delivering impactful diagnostic tools in these areas of significant need. I look forward to working with the team to deliver on the full promise of Virax’s portfolio,” commented Dr. McCracken.
In addition, Mark Ternouth, Virax’s current Chief Technology Officer, will be joining the company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Ternouth brings decades of experience with companies such as KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), COLT Telecom, John Lewis Partnership and the United Kingdom’s Home Office and Ministry of Justice.
