Emma has devised and worked on multiple strategies to identify novel targets and pathways associated with disease phenotypes across a broad range of indications and therapeutic areas. This work has included in vitro cellular phenotype screening and both multi-omics and genomics based approaches. Successful triage and prioritization of the resulting targets has required Emma's deep scientific and strategic insight and an initial assessment of:

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• The strength of the hypothesis supporting the disease relevance of the target, the expected efficacy and projected safety profile

• Feasibility of the target in the context of the chosen drug modality

• Novelty of the proposal, considering the current and future clinical and competitive landscape

• Link to an indication of high unmet clinical need and evidence of biological activity of the target in a clearly defined patient population

• Feasibility of clinical trials, considering patient recruitment, patient identification, exploratory biomarkers, expected trial size and trial duration

• Overall commercial potential and exclusivity, with a review of potential business opportunities for strategic partnering and in/out-licensing

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Over the years Emma’s investigations in target discovery have led to multiple highly impactful outcomes within the companies the she has worked for, including:
 

• A clinical programme for a novel, first-in-class target with a strong biological rationale in oncology indications of high unmet need

• Targets for multiple preclinical programmes, supporting phase transitions and partnerships in oncology and inflammatory disease

• Proof of concept data packages to validate and demonstrate the power of target discovery platforms to investors and prospective strategic partners

• Target discovery research proposals to support business development and partnering

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Emma has extensive expertise in Oncology, Immuno-Oncology, Autoimmune and Respiratory Disease (including inflammatory and fibrotic disease).

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Emma has a career-long history of rapidly assimilating new biotechnologies and disease areas to drill down to the key biological questions and the business and clinical need. She is happy to provide reviews into other therapeutic areas for her clients, including neurological, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and advise on additional subject matter expertise to engage.