Akeso Inc (HKEX Code: 9926.HK), a China-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, has named Professor Bradley J Monk, MD, FACOG[1], FACS[2] as its new lead gynecologic oncology advisor and chair of the Steering Committee for its global Phase two, multicentre registration study to assess the efficacy and safety of AK104 (bi-specific anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer, it was reported on Wednesday.

Presently, Professor Monk is the professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix and board certified in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology; and practices at Arizona Oncology (US Oncology Network). He has also held the position of a co-director for the Gynecologic Oncology Group Research Consortium and the medical director for the Gynecologic Program of the US Oncology Research Network.

Dr Michelle Xia, chairman and CEO of Akeso Inc, said, 'It is a delight and honour to formally welcome Prof Monk to our team as lead gynecologic oncology advisor. Prof Monk has an excellent reputation as an international expert in gynaecologic cancers. His outstanding track record as an investigator, coupled with his vast clinical experience as a gynaecologic oncologist and author of more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, makes him the ideal advisor for the development of our rich pipeline of immuno-oncology assets including two leading first-in-class bi-specific candidates AK104 (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) and AK112 (anti-PD-1/VEGF). Prof. Monk's appointment demonstrates his strong commitment to and confidence in the development of our innovative therapeutic antibodies for the benefit of women suffering from gynaecologic cancers.'