FibroFind names fibrotic disease expert as new Chief Medical Officer

FibroFind has appointed Professor Andrew Fisher as its new Chief Medical Officer, reinforcing a long-standing partnership with Newcastle University. His arrival marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to advance human tissue-based drug discovery, drawing on his extensive experience in fibrotic diseases and transplantation medicine.

Fisher’s career spans more than two decades as an NHS consultant physician, with a focus on organ transplantation and severe lung disease. His academic ties with FibroFind have already shaped the company’s methods for replicating fibrotic conditions, which frequently result in organ failure. Existing therapies, including transplantation, provide limited relief for many patients, driving the need for more effective solutions.

In this executive position, Fisher will direct the refinement of FibroFind’s human tissue models to better mirror actual disease progression. The aim is to deliver more precise data for drug development and clinical assessments. This appointment supports FibroFind’s broader ambition to establish itself as a leader in biologically accurate disease modeling.

Lee Borthwick, FibroFind’s CEO, described Fisher’s qualifications as outstanding, praising his combination of clinical expertise, research contributions, and deep knowledge of fibrotic disorders. The collaboration will extend beyond his new responsibilities—Fisher continues to treat patients at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and heads research at the NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit, ensuring his insights remain connected to both medical practice and academic inquiry.

Though FibroFind’s work remains centered on preclinical research, Fisher’s dual role helps bridge the divide between laboratory models and real-world patient experiences. His leadership may speed up the adoption of human tissue-based strategies, offering a clearer route for drug development in fibrotic diseases.

Fisher stressed the importance of developing better treatments, acknowledging that current options frequently fail to meet patient needs. His hire reflects the company’s commitment to leveraging human tissue to assess therapeutic potential before entering clinical trials.