Les Tillack MSc, BE

Les Tillack is a Brisbane-based Biotech Expert and Entrepreneur whose perseverance, innovation, and ambition have all earned him the reputation as a seasoned industry leader. Over the course of two decades, he has garnered extensive experience in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Starting out, Les began working in the clinical pathology field for Dr. Sullivan and Nicolaides Pathologists and facilitated multiple notable research projects for the Department of Primary Industries and the University of Queensland. After 11 years, he started working as the Director of Operations at Progen Pharmaceuticals for another decade, where he spearheaded Progen’s anti-cancer drug PI-88’s progression from the preclinical stage to phase three manufacturing.

Currently, Les Tillack serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Luina Bio (formerly known as PharmaSynth and previously affiliated with Progen), which is Australia’s frontrunner in the biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing space. At Luina Bio, he plays an integral role in both the tech transfer and manufacturing of various client products for clinical applications and marketed products. In 2017, the company won the Queensland Export Award for Health & Biotechnology. It was also around that time when Les and numerous investors bought out Progen’s entire manufacturing operation for a staggering 2.2 million dollars.

Ultimately, Les strives to provide strategic advocacy to the biotechnology industry through new drug development for the greater good of humanity as a whole. Furthermore, Les Tillack obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Queensland.