The Client

LIfT Biosciences is a London-based, clinical-stage immuno-oncology company founded in 2016 and built on first-in-class innate immune science.

The company has developed a proprietary platform based on a previously under-characterised subset of neutrophils, often referred to as IMANs, which are naturally capable of direct tumour cell killing, recruiting and activating adaptive immune responses, and converting checkpoint-resistant and CAR-T-resistant tumours into responsive disease.

LIfT’s underlying scientific hypothesis has been validated through multiple high-impact translational and clinical publications, including in Cell and Nature, incorporating data from approximately 1,500 patients. These data demonstrate a strong correlation between the presence of this neutrophil phenotype and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, clearance of metastatic disease and improved outcomes in otherwise treatment-resistant cancers.

The company’s allogeneic, off-the-shelf neutrophil therapy platform has several structural advantages, including a stable and scalable phenotype, reproducible expansion, freezing and storage, materially lower cost of goods than many cell therapies, a broad IP estate, and engineering optionality, including CAR-modified neutrophils. LIfT is also progressing an iPSC-derived programme, expected to enable near-limitless supply.

The platform has potential application as a monotherapy, in combination with checkpoint inhibitors, and as a means of rescuing or enhancing CAR-T efficacy. While oncology remains the clear strategic focus, the Board also recognises longer-term potential in neurological and infectious diseases.

The Situation

LIfT was approaching a critical value inflection point. Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo work had been completed, manufacturing protocols had been established, and technology transfer was underway to an Irish CDMO. A Phase I clinical trial was planned at the University of Galway, largely funded by an €11 million Irish government grant, with an expected start in late 2026 or early 2027.

At the same time, the company was preparing for important regulatory and clinical milestones. EMA pre-CTA briefing documents had been submitted, with feedback expected in the coming months. Initial European trials were planned, with potential expansion into the US, where MD Anderson had expressed strong interest and potential funding support, and China, where the company was exploring additional options for rapid clinical proof of concept.

Founder and CEO Alex Blyth was stepping down from the executive role, while remaining involved as a consultant for 9–12 months and joining the Board. Bo Rode Hansen, a Board member, was appointed Interim CEO for up to 12 months, while the Board committed to conducting a full CEO search.

The Board required a Chief Executive Officer to lead LIfT through clinical entry, Phase I execution, capital formation and global positioning as a credible immuno-oncology company. This was not a “science founder” appointment. It required a translational, capital-intensive biotech leader with authority across investors, regulators and pharmaceutical partners.

RSA was engaged to identify a CEO with the experience, credibility and judgement to move LIfT from founder-led innovation into disciplined clinical and corporate execution.

The Outcome

LIfT appointed Dan Passeri as Chief Executive Officer.

Dan brought more than 25 years’ experience leading biotech companies, with a strong track record across corporate leadership, fundraising, IPOs, strategic planning and business development. He was previously President and CEO of Cue Biopharma and President and CEO of Curis. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Technology and Business Officer at The Jackson Laboratory and as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategic Planning at Gene Logic.

Dan holds a J.D. from George Washington University Law School. His appointment provided LIfT with a proven biotech CEO capable of leading the company through clinical transition, capital formation and international positioning, while supporting the Board’s ambition to establish LIfT as a credible leader in innate immuno-oncology.

Testimonial

I am very pleased to write with regards to my experience working with Nick and the RSA team. I have worked with RSA several times over the past few years and our most recent search - for a CEO of a late pre-clinical stage UK-based biotech - was probably the most challenging. We needed to find someone with the requisite drug development and clinical stage experience but also someone who could also help fundraise from US institutional investors as we enter the next stage of our company evolution. 

The RSA team carried out a global search (UK, Europe, and US) and found us nearly a dozen very high quality candidates in a short amount of time. The profiles were varied enough to really allow us to hone in on the candidate attributes that were most important to us - you often refine your thinking when presented with real life candidates with different strengths.  All would have been great choices and as we went through the process, the RSA team clearly laid out their assessments of the candidates and importantly which ones they felt best fit our needs. The outcome was truly ideal and on a timeline and budget that were really impressive. Thanks again for all the hard work and I would use RSA again for any future searches.

Antonin de Fougerolles - Board Chair LifT BioSciences