Dr Fenton received his BSc (Honours) in Microbiology from Leeds University and earned his PhD in Virology from Sheffield University. He joined the in vivo influenza group in Glaxo in 1972. In 1974, he was sponsored by Glaxo to undertake a PhD in Professor Chris Potter’s lab (Sheffield), his thesis being entitled ‘The use of the ferret for the study of influenza virus infection’. This thesis not only established the ferret as the gold standard animal model for studying influenza virus, but also covered many aspects of vaccine and antiviral approaches to the disease.

In 1977 Dr Fenton returned to Glaxo to head the in vivo efforts into discovering anti-tumour agents, and successfully progressed two agents (Mitoquidone’ (GR30921X) and ‘Mitoquidosol’ GR63178A), into phase1/2 clinical trials. In 1989, he returned to influenza research, to assist in the development of influenza neuraminidase inhibitors, in particular the development of Relenza. He is currently the preclinical project leader for neuraminidase inhibitors.