Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC) today announces that Professor Chris Molloy will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), a position he has held since the establishment of MDC in 2016.

Dr Mike Strange will lead the company as Interim CEO from the end of January, assuming the role from his current position as Managing Director.

Professor Molloy will support a smooth transition of leadership and strategic programmes at MDC before he takes up the position of CEO at the UK’s BioIndustry Association in May 2026.

Under Professor Molloy’s impactful tenure, MDC has established itself as a unique and vital presence with the UK medicines discovery community, working with the sector to make every move count. Its vision to reshape drug discovery remains steadfast, delivering on its purpose to transform great UK science into better treatments through partnership.

Dr Robin Brown, Chair of Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:

“Chris has established and shaped MDC into an influential force, built through his tireless energy, insight and endeavour. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and the talented people he nurtured and inspired.

“The MDC he will now hand over is a highly respected organisation poised to continue its mission to reshape drug discovery and help the UK biopharmaceutical sector maintain its world-class research and development.”

Professor Chris Molloy, CEO of Medicines Discovery Catapult, said:

“It has been a privilege to found and lead MDC. Its deep commitment to the UK life sciences sector is reflected in the people who have shaped it – past and present – and in the impact it has delivered. Through the application of next-generation technologies, the Catapult has helped transform drug discovery, making hundreds of UK companies investible and leveraging more than £1.7 billion in private capital. It has also delivered high-impact collaborative programmes, from pandemic PCR testing to dementia and antimicrobial resistance, including advances in radiopharmaceuticals and the rollout of high-quality imaging for the NHS. I am deeply grateful to Innovate UK for its support, to the Board, and to the exceptional team whose work has consistently been in service of the wider sector.”