Cancer Research chair joins 52 North Health as non-executive director

52 North Health has appointed former University of Cambridge vice-chancellor and current chair of Cancer Research UK, Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz as non-executive director. 

The health technology company, which was co-founded by a multi-disciplinary team who were all post-graduates at the University of Cambridge at the time, is focused on reinventing the healthcare journey, starting with cancer patients.

Following a distinguished academic and clinical research career, Sir Leszek’s roles have also included chief executive of the Medical Research Council, the organisation which has funded research producing 32 Nobel Prize winners to date. He is a founding fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, a Governor of the Wellcome Trust and has served as chair of Cancer Research UK since 2016. He was awarded a Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for services to Medical Research and Education.

52 North Health has developed the Neutrocheck solution, a medical device and mobile app which help to understand a patient’s risk of neutropenic sepsis, the most fatal side-effect of chemotherapy treatment. As the condition can be fatal and kills three people in England and Wales each day, any patients undergoing chemotherapy who feel unwell are currently required to go straight to A&E. Neutrocheck will help identify these patients at an earlier stage of the journey, helping to save lives. With around half of patients who come into A&E with suspected neutropenic sepsis subsequently found not to be at risk, Neutrocheck will also reduce both the mental and financial strain on patients of emergency visits, while also reducing the strain on the NHS.

Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz said: “Neutropenic sepsis continues to remain a critical problem for patients with cancer. I believe that 52 North Health’s technology has real potential as a solution for management of this incredibly important issue. I am extremely proud to be associated with this venture.”

Umaima Ahmad, chief executive of 52 North Health added: “Sir Leszek has dedicated his career to tackling global problems – and we are delighted that he sees the potential of our technology. We are aligned in our desire to create impact and see UK companies grow to compete at a global level. Sir Leszek’s expertise and insight will be instrumental in helping us to achieve our ambition of improving safety and quality of life for cancer patients across the world through Neutrocheck.”