CT Atlantic AG, a biotechnology company focused on cancer treatment by human-derived antibodies, announced the appointment of Michael Höcker to CEO. In addition, Cara Lerner has been appointed to COO.

Michael Höcker brings a strong background in translational medicine and clinical oncology together with significant experience as pharmaceutical executive to the company.

He most recently served as a Global Medical Director at Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Basel). Prior to this he held executive positions of increasing responsibility at AstraZeneca Ltd. including VP Medical for the German market. Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, he was an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Charité in Berlin, where also he headed an independent research group focussing on the molecular biology of cancer angiogenesis.

Prof. Höcker holds an MD degree from the University of Göttingen and received his scientific and clinical training at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston and the Charité in Berlin. He is a board certified Internist and (co-)author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and several patents and patent applications.

Cara Lerner, an experienced pharmaceutical program and portfolio manager with a background as a researcher in immunology, adds essential expertise in the management of technology development programs and budget tracking and forecasting. Cara Lerner originally joined CT Atlantic in 2009 as Head of Program Management. Previously, Ms. Lerner was with Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., where she was a Program Manager, focusing on innovative technology evaluation and management of domestic and international vendors.

Ms. Lerner holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tufts University, USA and a Masters Degree in Immunology from University of Washington, USA. She is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
 
 "We are very pleased that we could attract these seasoned professionals to our company," stated Prof Dr Alexander Knuth, Chairman of the Board of CT Atlantic. "CT Atlantic's management now combines comprehensive pharmaceutical industry and management experience with the frontier science approach of successful biotech companies. The team is perfectly tailored to the needs of a biotechnology company aiming to partner its programs with pharmaceutical corporations at an early stage." 

About CT Atlantic AG - www.ct-atlantic.com
CT Atlantic AG is a Swiss biotechnology company focused on the identification and development of human-derived antibodies for the treatment of cancer. Founded by Prof. Dr Alexander Knuth in 2008, CT Atlantic AG is a spin-off from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and the International Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, (New York, USA). The company's corporate headquarters and research facility are located in Schlieren.