Firebrick announces formation of Scientific Advisory Board

  14 Sep 2022

  • Firebrick appoints four inaugural members to SAB
  • Esteemed international panel with a wealth of medical and scientific experience
  • SAB chaired by one of Australia’s leading virologists, Dr Simon Tucker

We are pleased to announce the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) to guide the Company’s research and development initiatives, including current new product development plans.

The members of the SAB have all conducted extensive medical research throughout their respective careers and bring a wealth of international medical and scientific experience to Firebrick.

Members of the initial SAB cohort are:

  • Prof Richard Strugnell: Academic microbiologist and Fellow of the Australian Society of Microbiology.
  • Prof Ronald Turner: A Professor at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and a prominent researcher in viral respiratory infections.
  • Prof Andrew Wilks: A Fellow to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and founder and co-founder of multiple biotech companies.
  • Dr Bobby Singh: An accomplished pharmaceutical executive and lead inventor or co-inventor of more than 25 patents.

The SAB will work alongside Firebrick Board members: Dr Peter Molloy, Dr Stephen Goodall, Prof Phyllis Gardner and Dr Richard Treagus, who will participate in SAB meetings.

The SAB will be chaired by Firebrick Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Simon Tucker. Dr Tucker is a virologist with decades of pharmaceutical R&D management experience. He has previously led teams at GD Searle (US) and Biota Pharmaceuticals, focused on the discovery and development of antiviral drugs.

“We are very privileged to be able to work with such an esteemed group of international scientific advisors,” said Dr Tucker. “The SAB will play a key role in advising Firebrick on our R&D direction as well as providing insights on new developments and potential opportunities. Their experience provides a tremendous sounding board and expert guidance for the company.

About the SAB Members

Richard (Dick) Strugnell, PhD – Prof Strugnell is an academic microbiologist working at the interface of bacteriology and immunology. He has worked in industry in translational university/industry ecosystems and at universities. He has published more than 200 papers, many in leading journals. These papers cover numerous bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens. He is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Microbiology.

Ronald B. Turner, MD – Prof Turner is Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Prof Turner’s research effort has focused primarily on viral respiratory infections, especially rhinovirus pathogenesis and treatment. Prof Turner is an author or co-author of over 150 original manuscripts, reviews and chapters, primarily related to viral respiratory infections, and has served on numerous advisory boards and review committees related to respiratory virus research both in the US and internationally.

Andrew Wilks, PhD – Prof Wilks has been involved in research for almost three decades and his work has been cited more than 14,000 times in the scientific literature. Andrew is a member of the board and/or scientific advisory board of several Australian and international biotech companies. He is an elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences; an Honorary Enterprise Professor at University of Melbourne; and also holds an Adjunct Professorship in the Department of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. He is the founder and co-founder of multiple biotech companies and the recipient of the ATSE Clunies-Ross Medal (Entrepreneur of the Year) and Lackmann Award for Translational Research.

Dr Bobby Singh, PhD – Dr Singh is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Corsair Pharma as well as a Director. He is the lead inventor or co-inventor of more than 25 patents and has authored or co-authored nine book chapters and more than 35 publications. Prior to Corsair, Dr Singh served as Chief Technology Officer and Head of Research and Development of Corium, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company (acquired by Gurnet Point Capital). While at Corium, Dr Singh led the development of the company’s two leading drug delivery platforms: Corplex™ and MicroCor®. He also led the development and commercialisation of ten consumer and pharmaceutical products in the US. Prior to Corium, Dr Singh served as a senior scientist and group leader at Novartis. Dr Singh holds a Ph.D. from the University of Queensland, Australia as well as a M.Pharm and a B.Pharm from Panjab University, India.