Dr Coates, who has more than 25 years experience in antiviral drug discovery in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and was one of the inventors of antiviral drug, 3TC targeting HIV and HBV for Glaxo-Wellcome, will resume his previous position of Chief Scientific Officer at Avexa. He will also take up the role of interim CEO while the company conducts an independent review of the development programs and investigates its commercial options.