About PBD Biotech

PBD Biotech is pioneering phage-based diagnostics. Its international management team brings together expertise in diagnostics, clinical and veterinary science, disease management and policy.

Board

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Dr Berwyn Clarke,

Non-Executive Director

Berwyn is a specialist in personalized medicine, companion diagnostics and the application of novel diagnostics both to central laboratory and point-of-care utilities. He has worked in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industry for over 30 years occupying senior management positions and Board level appointments. He is now a commercially focused entrepreneur with multiple corporate appointments.

Jonnie Yewdall,

Non-Executive Director

Jonnie joined PBD Biotech as its Commercial Director in 2020 and has held a number of commercial roles in other industries. He ran a farm in North Devon and as a dairy farmer he understands the challenges of the industry and has first-hand experience of the devastating impact bTB and Johne’s disease.

Geoff Gower,

Non-Executive Director

Geoff has a significant track record in diagnostic manufacturing and joined PBD Biotech to oversee the scale-up of Actiphage from a research to a commercial environment. Geoff has an impressive track-record of building start-ups to become market leaders in their niche. Several have subsequently been acquired by companies such as Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bio-Rad.

Dr Ben Swift,

Founder of PBD Biotech, R&D Director

Ben is currently a Research Fellow in Antimicrobial Resistance at the Royal Veterinary College. His work, in collaboration with Cath Rees led to the creation of the Actiphage diagnostic. He continues to be involved in developing rapid detection methods for mycobacterial diseases, with a special interest in the transmission of mycobacterial pathogens between humans and animals, working closely with both vets and medical doctors.

Executive Team

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Scientific Advisory Board

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Core members of the team

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Prof Cath Rees,

Co-founder of PBD Biotech, Professor in Microbiology at the University of Nottingham

As Professor in Microbiology at the University of Nottingham, Prof Rees leads research into the applications of bacteriophage against cattle pathogens Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) and Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB). This work led to the creation of the Actiphage diagnostic and forms the basis for its continued development.

As Professor in Microbiology at the University of Nottingham, Prof Rees leads research into the applications of bacteriophage against cattle pathogens Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) which causes Johne’s disease and Mycobacterium bovis (bovine TB). This work led to the creation of the Actiphage diagnostic and forms the basis for its continued development.

Maddy Kennedy,

Financial Director

Maddy brings extensive experience in strategic development, financial modelling, and funding within the life sciences sector. In addition to CFO roles at CFO4Growth and within pharma and medtech organisations, she has also provided interim support for a number of early-stage companies such as Kesmalea Therapeutics and Ieso Digital Health. These roles include implementing corporate governance and compliance structures to maintain best practice.

Neville Pearson,

Company Secretary

Neville is a financial director and certified practising accountant. After 12 years at KPMG, he has specialised in providing strategic consultancy and financial leadership to companies during times of growth and change, this has included support for a portfolio of early-stage companies.

Pioneer in phage-based diagnostics

About PBD Biotech

Board

Dr Berwyn Clarke,

Non-Executive Director

Jonnie Yewdall,

Non-Executive Director

Geoff Gower,

Non-Executive Director

Dr Ben Swift,

Founder of PBD Biotech, R&D Director

Executive Team

Scientific Advisory Board

Core members of the team

Prof Cath Rees,

Co-founder of PBD Biotech, Professor in Microbiology at the University of Nottingham

Maddy Kennedy,

Financial Director

Neville Pearson,

Company Secretary

developers of phage-based diagnostics