Mark Cobbold

Biography
Mark Cobbold is Senior Vice President of Discovery and Head of Oncology Cell Therapy in AstraZeneca Oncology R&D, where he leads research aimed at creating next-generation cellular immunotherapies for cancer. A physician-scientist and immunologist, his work has spanned human T-cell biology, viral immunity, cancer neoantigens, immunodeficiency, and the engineering of immune cells to recognize and eliminate tumors. He has helped develop technologies for identifying clinically relevant antigens and for designing T-cell therapies with improved specificity and function. Before joining AstraZeneca, Dr. Cobbold built an academic and entrepreneurial career in translational immunology and has co-founded several biotechnology companies, including ventures focused on immune targets and cancer immunotherapy. His research has connected basic discoveries in antigen recognition with therapeutic platforms intended to overcome tumor escape and broaden the reach of engineered cell therapy. At AstraZeneca, he works across discovery science, translational development, and portfolio strategy to move new cell-therapy concepts toward clinical testing in both hematologic and solid tumors.