NuCana plc Appoints Theresa Bruce as Chief Operating Officer
EDINBURGH, United Kingdom, January 6, 2026 – NuCana plc (NASDAQ: NCNA), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing treatment outcomes for cancer patients, has appointed Theresa Bruce as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective January 1, 2026.
Leadership Appointment and Strategic Implications
Hugh S. Griffith, Founder and CEO of NuCana, expressed enthusiasm regarding Bruce's appointment. He noted that “Theresa brings more than two decades of experience leading global clinical development programs across biotechnology companies and clinical research organizations.” Griffith emphasized that Bruce's operational leadership will be crucial as the company progresses its pipeline, particularly with data generation expected in 2026 from the Phase 1/2 study of NUC-7738 in combination with pembrolizumab for melanoma patients (NuTide:701).
Bruce outlined her excitement about joining NuCana during this pivotal phase for the company. “NuCana has an innovative pipeline and a clear strategic focus on developing more effective and safer cancer therapies,” she stated. Looking forward, she highlighted multiple anticipated data readouts and an expected cash runway extending into 2029 as favorable indicators for the company's future.
Theresa Bruce's Extensive Experience in Oncology
Ms. Bruce has over 25 years of experience in oncology research and development, having held leadership roles across various areas including oncology, hematology, and endocrinology. Prior to her current role, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Nexus Oncology and has also acted as Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at prominent organizations like Chiltern and Veristat.
Most significantly, before taking on the COO role at NuCana, Bruce worked as Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at the company. Her background also includes serving as an independent consultant for U.S.-based biotechnology firms, focusing on expanding clinical trial portfolios beyond North America.
Academically, Ms. Bruce holds an MBA from Glasgow Caledonian University, specializing in Executive Leadership and Strategic Management, and is a member of the Chartered Management Institute.
About NuCana: Advancing Cancer Treatment
NuCana is committed to significantly improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients through its proprietary ProTide technology. This technology transforms some widely used chemotherapy agents into more effective and safer medicines. While traditional nucleoside analogs are often part of standard cancer care, they come with limitations that affect their efficacy and tolerability.
- NUC-7738: A novel anti-cancer agent disrupting RNA polyadenylation and targeting multiple aspects of the tumor microenvironment. Currently in a Phase 1/2 study.
- NUC-3373: A new chemical entity developed from 5-fluorouracil, recently evaluated in a Phase 1b/2 modular study in combination with pembrolizumab and docetaxel.
These advances are part of NuCana's ongoing commitment to enhance cancer therapy options, especially for patients with a need for improved outcomes.
Looking Ahead: Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements regarding NuCana’s future operations, clinical studies of NUC-7738 and NUC-3373, and anticipated results. These statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions regarding the company's strategy and commercial outlook.
Actual results may vary significantly due to various factors, including regulatory challenges, funding capabilities, and broader industry dynamics. For detailed risk factors, please refer to the company’s Annual Report filed with the SEC.