Dr Hitchin brings extensive experience from across multiple therapeutic areas in drug discovery to the Charnwood team. James has previously held positions at SAFC Pharma, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and KemFine Oy. Most recently he was Senior Medicinal Chemist at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, where he worked on various target classes, including kinases and epigenetic targets from hit identification right through to lead optimization and beyond.
“I am looking forward to the challenge of leading Charnwood Molecular’s Medicinal Chemistry division”, states James. “We are experiencing significant growth in our chemistry services business, including an increase in demand for the medicinal chemistry research that we undertake at the BioCity laboratories. Charnwood’s success is based upon providing extremely high quality, yet cost-effective, solutions for medicinal chemistry projects, becoming the partner of choice for an increasingly diverse client base.”
The appointment will further strengthen Charnwood Molecular’s reputation for excellence in synthesis and customer service, as well as expanding our strength in medicinal chemistry.
James joins a team with existing expertise in a wide range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, obesity, immunology, respiratory disease, inflammation and the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
James has an impressive publication record covering areas as diverse as the discovery and optimisation of novel allosteric inhibitors of IDH1, the discovery of a highly potent series of TLR7 agonists, and the development and evaluation of selective, reversible LSD1 inhibitors. James’ publication work continues, with a further four papers expected in the short term in high impact journals. He has also been named as an inventor of three patents this year describing the development of inhibitory compounds for both PARG and autotoxin, as well as running a third year medicinal chemistry course for students at the University of Manchester.
Dr Robin Wilkes, Sales Director of Charnwood Molecular commented: “We are thrilled that James has joined the Charnwood team. We aim to improve clients’ medicinal chemistry initiatives through creativity and innovation and James’ appointment will undoubtedly help in this regard. His appointment is an important advancement towards our plans for future growth, further enhancing the experience of our talented medicinal chemistry group.”
To find out more about Charnwood Molecular, please go to the website.
