Robert McLeod

Global Clinical Lead, Early Oncology Clinical Development at AstraZeneca

Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

About

I am an experienced pharmaceutical physician with over 20 years of international experience with a focus on oncology drug development, translational medicine, and early phase clinical trials. I am currently a Senior Medical Director in the Oncology early phase clinical developent team at AstraZeneca, based in the Barcelona hub. Previously I served as Vice President of Clinical Development at Myricx, where I lead efforts to advance novel antibody drug conjugates towards first-in-human studies. I held developed significant ADC experince as a Global Clinical Lead at Daiichi Sankyo. In this capacity, I spearheaded early phase clinical trials of several ADCs across multiple solid tumor types. Earlier in my career, I worked as a Clinical Research Physician at Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development. I collaborated on a wide range of oncology programs including small molecules, biologics, cell therapies and cancer vaccines. I led Phase 1 trials for both solid and hematological malignancies, gaining diverse expertise in translating various cancer drugs and technologies from preclinical to early clinical development.

Experience

  • Senior Medical Director, Early Clinical Development Oncology at AstraZeneca
    Sep 2025 - Present · 11 mos

  • Vice President Clinical Development at Myricx Pharma Ltd
    Sep 2023 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

    I was responsible for managing preclinical programs, developing the clinical strategy and leading the clinical development of Myricx's proprietary ADCs comprising monoclonal antibodies conjugated to selective cytotoxic payloads based on N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) inhibitors.

  • Global Clinical Lead, Senior Director Clinical Development, Global Oncology R&D at Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
    2020 - 2023 · 3 yrs

    As Oncology Global Clinical Lead in Early Phase R&D at Daiichi Sankyo, I provided strategic leadership for clinical development of multiple antibody-drug conjugates for solid tumors. Key responsibilities included spearheading first-in-human trials, collaborating with scientists on biomarkers, serving on the Safety Committee, preparing clinical plans, providing clinical input on regulatory submissions, engaging with key opinion leaders, and moderating advisory boards. I led multifunctional teams to advance novel ADCs from preclinical to early phase global clinical trials.

  • Clinical Research Physician, Centre for Drug Development at Cancer Research UK
    2012 - 2020 · 8 yrs

    As a Clinical Research Physician at Cancer Research UK's Centre for Drug Development, I led early phase oncology clinical trials and translational medicine initiatives. Key responsibilities included overseeing preclinical and early clinical projects across a broad portfolio of cancer therapies, designing and monitoring early phase studies with a focus on biomarkers, authoring integrated drug development plans, and engaging with academic leaders to optimize clinical trial strategies. I provided medical expertise to advance Cancer Research UK's mission of bringing innovative new treatments to cancer patients.

  • Emergent BioSolutions ()
    • Senior Director, Clinical Strategy
      2011 - 2012 · 1 yr

      As Senior Director of Clinical Strategy at Emergent BioSolutions key responsibilities included strategic and operational leadership for clinical trials evaluating viral and bacterial vectored vaccines for tuberculosis, influenza, RSV, typhoid and hepatitis. I worked with global teams to advance vaccines from preclinical through late phase trials, interacted with regulatory agencies, and authored clinical sections of regulatory submissions.

    • Director, Clinical Strategy
      2008 - 2011 · 3 yrs

      Vaccine clinical development