Shield Therapeutics promotes Karis to chairman

Commercial stage pharmaceutical outfit Shield Therapeutics elevated James Karis to the role of non-executive chairman on Tuesday.

The previous holder of the position, Andrew Heath, resigned from the board last June, saying he wished to focus on other business interests.

Karis, who has served on Shield's board for almost three years, will take over as chairman with immediate effect.

Ex MAPI Group chief executive Karis brings over 35 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, healthcare services, technology and medical device industries.

He said: "It is exciting to take on an expanded role as chairman of Shield Therapeutics during a time when the company has several important milestones on the horizon."

"I look forward to working with the rest of the board and management team in continuing our efforts to provide a unique therapy benefiting patients around the world while making Shield a success for its shareholders."

As of 1000 GMT, Shield shares had dipped 1.97% to 34.80p.