PIR International supports appointment of Independent Non-Executive Director at CellCentric

CellCentric is an innovative clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering p300/CBP drug development. Spun out from the University of Cambridge, its lead asset, inobrodib, is a potential first-in-class orally bioavailable P300/CBP inhibitor being developed for multiple myeloma and other cancers. Following Phase II data results and an oversubscribed $220 million Series D financing in May 2026, the company is advancing inobrodib into pivotal clinical development.

At this important stage in its evolution, CellCentric sought to strengthen its Board with the addition of an experienced independent Non-Executive Director who could support CEO Will West and the wider Board through late-stage clinical development and towards potential commercialisation.

The mandate required an accomplished international biopharmaceutical leader with a track record of building and scaling successful biotech companies, combined with deep experience in oncology, corporate development, financing and strategic transactions. Strong connectivity across the US pharmaceutical, biotechnology and investment communities was also important.

CellCentric partnered with PIR International to undertake a targeted international search, with particular emphasis on highly experienced US-based biotech executives and Board leaders. Following a comprehensive search and assessment process, Paolo Pucci was appointed Non-Executive Director.

Paolo brings extensive executive, transactional and Board experience. As CEO of ArQule, he led the oncology-focused biotech through significant strategic development, partnerships and financings, culminating in its approximately $3 billion acquisition by Merck/MSD. He also brings highly relevant current Board experience, including as an Independent Director of Replimune, where he has supported the company through its progression from clinical development towards commercialisation.

Paolo’s combination of biotech leadership, oncology expertise, Board governance, financing, deal-making and commercial transition experience closely matched CellCentric’s requirements as the company enters its next phase of growth.

Comment from Will West, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of CellCentric:

We are delighted to welcome Paolo to the Board at such an important stage in CellCentric’s growth. PIR International understood the strategic requirements of the role and helped us identify an outstanding candidate. Paolo’s experience will be invaluable as we advance inobrodib through late-stage clinical development and prepare for the next phase of growth.

Comment from Paolo Pucci, Non-Executive Director, CellCentric:

I have greatly appreciated PIR’s diligent management of the recruiting process. I am very much looking forward to work with Will, the Cell Centric Board and team to realize the therapeutic potential of inobrodib for the benefit of the patients in need.