Oxford Biomedica welcomes non-executive director

Oxford Biomedica, a cell and gene therapy biotech, has appointed Laurence Espinasse as a non-executive director.

Laurence brings more than two decades of experience across the legal and healthcare sectors and since 2021 has served as the General Counsel and Compliance Officer at Institut Mérieux.

Following the acquisition of ABL Europe – since renamed Oxford Biomedica (France) – in January, its parent company Institut Mérieux is now a major shareholder in Oxford Biomedica.

Prior to her current role at the French firm, Laurence was a partner and head of the business law department at MDL Société d’Avocats.

Before that, she practiced business law at EY, having received her professional lawyer’s certificate from the École des Avocats Centre Sud in Montpellier, France.

Dr. Roch Doliveux, chair of Oxford Biomedica, said: “On behalf of the board, I’m delighted to welcome Laurence as non-executive director.

“Her vast legal experience will be a strong asset for the company as we look to build on significant commercial momentum and capitalise on the fast-growing cell and gene therapy sector.

“We look forward to her support and advice in driving our continued success.”

Laurence added: “I’m honoured to be joining Oxford Biomedica’s board of directors.

“Institut Mérieux’s significant investment reflects our confidence in Oxford Biomedica’s potential.

“I look forward to working closely with the Board to drive the next phase of growth as a world-leading cell and gene therapy CDMO.”