Mr Sharpington has nearly 20 years’ experience in the life sciences sector with various biotechnology and pharmaceutical service companies in Europe and the US. He has broad experience across drug development, in-licensing, M&A as well as fund raisings.
Earlier, in 2002, Mr Sharpington was appointed as development director at Arakis, a UK based inflammatory and CNS focused company where he led the development of four projects from concept to Phase II, participated in the licensing of its lead product to Novartis and also had a pivotal role in the successful sale of Arakis to Sosei in 2005 for GBP107m.
After leaving Arakis Mr Sharpington founded and became CEO of Serentis in 2006 where he led a GBP15m venture capital fundraising and the development of two dermatology products to Phase II.
Mr Sharpington is also a non-executive director of Clinical Force, a clinical trial software and service company.
Upon Mr Sharpington taking up office, Mr Sandy Morrison, the interim CEO will revert to his position as a Non-Executive Director.
Alistair Taylor, chairman of Phytopharm, said: “Tim has excellent broad managerial experience in the pharmaceutical sector. This will be highly valuable to Phytopharm and we are delighted to welcome him as CEO and a member of the Phytopharm Board at this important time.
“The Board would like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Sandy as interim CEO during a key period in the company’s development. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience.”