Nigel Burns, PhD, LLB

Professional Background

Nigel is a senior biopharmaceutical executive who provides advice on strategic R&D issues for biotechnology companies, venture capital funds and governments. His expertise spans mAbs, cell-based therapies, protein sciences and immunology. 

Nigel’s industry career started over 30 years ago at British Biotech plc, where he was a key member of teams moving multiple and varied biological products from research into clinical trials. He was also responsible for the biologicals production plant. In 2004, Nigel joined Cambridge Antibody Technology as Senior Vice President of Preclinical Development, and chaired the company’s pipeline management committee. Subsequently, he was appointed Senior Vice President of Strategic Collaborations, where he was responsible for the implementation of the company’s deals including $175M deal with Astra Zeneca, prior to their acquisition of the company. As Non-Executive Chairman of Cell Medica, a cell-therapy development company, Nigel played a key role in successfully completing a £17M series A financing. He is also the co-founder of two Imperial College antibody spin-out companies following a period as Entrepreneur-in-residence and has been a non-executive director of other biotechnology companies.

In 2019, Nigel gained an LLB and as a member of the faculty at the University of Manchester and has been engaged in research into various aspects of property rights in healthcare. He also serves as an expert witness in disputes and leads Alacrita's expert witness practice. 

Nigel has been consulting since 2006 covering diverse aspects of strategic and technical review, assessment and diligence in the field of biotechnology, for companies, investors and governments.

Education

• LLB, University of Manchester (UK JD Equivalent)
• PhD in Biochemistry, Kings College, London University
• BSc Biochemistry, Imperial College, London University