Medicus Pharma names Andrew Smith as COO, advances BCC and prostate drug studies
Published: 08:58 23 Jun 2025 EDT
Medicus Pharma (NASDAQ:MDCX) said on Monday it has appointed Andrew Smith as chief operating officer, bringing on board a seasoned asset management executive as the company accelerates its clinical development programs in the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
Smith, who most recently served as CEO of SR Asset Management until its sale in 2024, brings over 30 years of experience in financial and operational leadership. Prior to SRAM, he held several senior roles at Aberdeen Asset Management, including co-head of Americas, COO, CFO, and CCO for its North American Closed-End Funds.
"We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the leadership team," said CEO Dr Raza Bokhari. "Andrew's experience and expertise is very relevant and timely, as we expand our business and clinical development operations with active engagements in three continents."
Medicus also provided an update on its Phase 2 clinical study, SKNJCT-003, for D-MNA, a non-invasive treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The study, which began patient randomization in August 2024, has now enrolled more than 50 of the targeted 90 patients across nine US clinical sites. An interim analysis in March 2025 showed a more than 60% clinical clearance rate, though the company cautioned the findings are preliminary.
Additionally, Medicus is conducting a separate study (SKNJCT-004) in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to randomize 36 patients at four sites, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and American Hospital of Dubai. UAE-based IROS, part of the M42 group, is managing the trial.
The company recently announced plans to acquire UK-based biotech firm Antev, which is developing Teverelix, a next-generation GnRH antagonist for advanced prostate cancer and patients with acute urinary retention relapse.
