Syncromune has appointed Stephen Dale as chief medical officer, strengthening its executive and clinical leadership team as the company advances development of its SYNC-T immunotherapy platform for solid tumours.

Dale joins the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with more than 20 years of experience in global oncology research and development across both biotechnology and large pharmaceutical organisations. In his new role, he will lead clinical development for Syncromune’s pipeline, provide medical and strategic oversight, and help shape the company’s clinical, regulatory and translational strategy.

Syncromune is developing SYNC-T, an in situ combination immunotherapy platform designed to activate anti-tumour immune responses locally while limiting systemic exposure. The company is currently advancing its lead programme through Phase 2 clinical development.

Chuck Link, co-founder and executive chairman of Syncromune, said the appointment reflects the company’s focus on patient-centred clinical development as programmes move forward. He said: “Our priority at Syncromune is to develop therapies that meaningfully improve the lives of patients facing some of the most challenging cancers. By combining Stephen’s physician perspective and patient-focused approach to clinical development, we will ensure our programmes prioritise safety and impact as we advance our clinical objectives.”

Dale has led both early- and late-stage oncology development programmes and has been involved in multiple regulatory submissions and approvals. His experience includes clinical strategy, translational development and programme leadership across solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as immuno-oncology and precision oncology programmes.

Before joining Syncromune, Dale served as head of research and development and chief medical officer at Kura Oncology. He has also held senior oncology development roles at Kyowa Kirin and AstraZeneca, where he worked on global development programmes spanning multiple tumour types and rare diseases.

As chief medical officer, Dale will oversee clinical execution for SYNC-T, guide regulatory interactions and support the expansion of Syncromune’s platform across additional solid tumour indications as development progresses.

Eamonn Hobbs, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of Syncromune, added: “Stephen’s oncology experience and proven leadership in advancing innovative therapies through clinical development make him an exceptional addition to our team. His expertise will be invaluable as we progress SYNC-T Therapy SV-102 through Phase 2 and broaden the platform’s potential across solid tumours.”

Commenting on his appointment, Dale said he was joining the company at a critical point in its development. He said: “I’m honoured to join Syncromune at this pivotal juncture in its evolution. Syncromune’s vision to deliver multi-target immunotherapies that activate the immune system locally while minimising systemic exposure and toxicity reflects the patient-centred innovation that has guided my career.”

He added that he was looking forward to working with the leadership team to advance new treatment options for patients with limited therapeutic choices.

The appointment comes as Syncromune continues to build out its leadership team to support later-stage clinical development and potential future regulatory submissions in oncology.