- Touchlight has appointed Will Downie as interim CEO following Karen Fallen’s decision to step down. Downie brings more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
- The leadership transition comes as Touchlight continues developing its CDMO business, which uses proprietary dbDNA™ technology to manufacture high-purity, cell-free DNA for genetic medicines, from research use through GMP manufacturing.
Touchlight, a cell-free DNA technology company serving the genetic medicines sector, has appointed Will Downie as interim CEO after Karen Fallen stepped down from the role. Downie’s appointment was announced by the company’s Board of Directors as Touchlight continues to develop its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business supporting cell and gene therapies.
Fallen had served as CEO since November 2020. During her tenure, she oversaw the achievement of approval for the company’s synthetic DNA facility in London to receive the world’s first GMP license, according to Touchlight. The company thanked her for her leadership and contribution to establishing its CDMO business.
Downie brings more than 30 years of experience across pharmaceutical and life sciences businesses. Most recently, he was CEO of Argenta, a specialist contract research organization (CRO) and CDMO serving animal health. He previously led Vectura Group and spent 10 years as chief commercial officer at Catalent, alongside earlier senior roles at GE Healthcare, Sanofi, and Merck. He has also served as a Touchlight adviser and board member since January 2025.
Touchlight Executive Chair and Founder Jonny Ohlson said Downie’s CDMO experience would help the company grow and support its work to bring cell and gene therapy products to market. Downie said he looked forward to working with the team and clients to address complex advanced therapy challenges.
Touchlight manufactures high-purity, cell-free DNA using its proprietary dbDNA™ technology. Its services span research use through to GMP manufacturing, providing DNA solutions for genetic medicines.
