WIREDGOV

The government yesterday (04 June) appointed Clive Dix as Deputy Chair of the UK’s Vaccine Taskforce to help lead efforts to find and manufacture a coronavirus vaccine.

A leading figure in drug development, Clive Dix is CEO of C4X Discovery, a pioneering drug discovery company, and is well qualified to help lead the Vaccine Taskforce, with extensive experience as a scientist and managing pharmaceutical companies.

His knowledge will be critical in supporting the Taskforce and the government in their efforts to find an effective vaccine – one of the long-term solutions to controlling the pandemic - and ensuring this is available to the public in large volumes.

The government established the Taskforce in March 2020, and it reports directly to the Business Secretary. Kate Bingham was announced as the Taskforce’s Chair on 16 May 2020.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma yesterday said:

The UK is leading the global response to finding a vaccine, and the work being done by the Taskforce complements and supports efforts worldwide.

As Deputy Chair of the Taskforce, Clive will bring his wealth of experience to support the vital efforts to discover a vaccine and ensure it is readily available to all who need it once found.

Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce, Kate Bingham yesterday said:

I am thrilled that Clive has accepted our invitation to join the Vaccine Taskforce as Deputy Chair. Clive brings a long and distinguished career in discovering and developing novel vaccines and pharmaceuticals for the treatment of serious diseases.

We are delighted that Clive has agreed to share his expertise to enable us to accelerate the development and manufacture of a coronavirus vaccine.

Deputy Chair of the Vaccine Taskforce, Clive Dix yesterday said:

I am honoured to be asked to take up this role. The pursuit of a vaccine for COVID-19 is one of the most important parts of the country’s response to the virus and I look forward to working with Kate, applying all of my knowledge and experience to help the taskforce deliver an effective vaccine.