Martin O’Rourke
Head of Drug Discovery
Martin obtained a 1st class Honours degree in Applied Biochemical Science from the University of Ulster and subsequently a PhD from the same institution investigating modulation of tumour vasculature to synergise with radiation.
He was the co-inventor of a peptide therapeutic based on findings from his work in Professor Tracy Robson’s lab in Queens University Belfast and joined Almac Discovery, leading the biology team building evidence around the anti-tumour target to the point of Ph1 clinical trials. At Almac Discovery, Martin lead several small molecule projects to different decision points and help to build a sustainable biology department.
Martin moved to Charles River Labs drug discovery teams and worked in collaboration with several pharma and biotech companies, helping to progress compounds from the initial validation to candidate nomination. He progressed through the company eventually working in a global position helping form the Oncology strategy for Charles River and ensuring clients had access to the appropriate models and technologies to support their drug discovery projects.
Most recently, Martin has been a Director in the Oncology Bioscience group at AstraZeneca, as a member of the leadership team he has contributed to oncology strategy, new target selection and project leadership on early stage projects.
Martin is the co-author on numerous papers and patents and is a member of the AACR.
