How an Interest in Scientific Intricacies Evolved to Transform the Biotechnology Field: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Tim Clackson, PhD

How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.

In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Tim Clackson, PhD. Dr Clackson is a biotechnology executive, and was most recently chief executive officer of IDRx. 

Drs Camidge and Clackson discussed Dr Clackson’s career journey through the biotechnology field, which began when his innate curiosity about biology and evolution led him to study biochemistry. He then pursued his PhD and was part of the small team that developed antibody phage display libraries, a breakthrough technology that allows scientists to mimic the immune system in a test tube to find specific antibodies. This work was foundational to the discovery of major drugs and contributed to the awarding of a Nobel Prize in 2018.

In 1991, Dr Clackson moved to the US to pursue a postdoc at Genentech, where he was inspired by the company's vibrant and optimistic research environment. He then joined Ariad Pharmaceuticals, where he stayed for more than 20 years, evolving from a bench scientist to president of R&D. A major highlight of his tenure was the development of ponatinib (Iclusig) for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. He also navigated significant challenges, including ponatinib's temporary market withdrawal due to safety concerns, which the company eventually resolved by narrowing the drug's clinical application.

In the following years, Dr Clackson transitioned into chief executive officer roles at other biotech firms, such as IDRx. He noted that although acquisitions often result in leadership changes—humorously stating, "the higher you are, the quicker you go"—he enjoyed the storytelling aspect of pitching scientific strategies to investors. In the present day, Dr Clackson remains active in the biotechnology industry through board service and entrepreneurship.