Kala Pharmaceuticals (NSDQ:KALA) this month expanded its team of C-suite executives, naming Todd Bazemore as chief operating officer.
Bazemore has spent more than 20 years in the biopharmaceutical industry, most recently working as EVP and COO for Santhera Pharmaceuticals. He has also spent time at Dyax Corp., Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, and Muro Pharmaceuticals.
“We welcome Todd to the team. He brings a proven track record and significant experience in sales, marketing and market access that will be integral as we prepare Kala to become a commercial organization,” chairman & CEO Mark Iwicki said in prepared remarks. “Additionally, Todd’s strategic know-how in business development and new product planning will prove critical as we build the organization and look to maximize the potential of our [mucus-penetrating particle] platform.”
“It’s a transformational time for Kala as its lead product candidates, Inveltys and KPI-121 0.25%, are approaching the finish line with the potential to enhance the treatment for two important ocular conditions,” Bazemore added. “I look forward to working with the team as Kala makes the transition to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company with commercial capabilities.”
Earlier this year, Kala touted data from a Phase III trial of its nanoparticle formulation of loteprednol etabonate as a treatment for inflammation and pain in cataract surgery patients. The KPI-121 1% suspension met both primary efficacy endpoints and secondary endpoints and was well tolerated by the trial’s participants.
Pertinax Pharma names former Sanofi UK head as chairman
Pertinax Pharma this month named Nigel Brooksby as chairman. Brooksby, who has spent nearly 40 years in the pharmaceutical industry, has previously worked as chairman and managing director of the Sanofi Group in the UK and Ireland.
He has also served as president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry.
At Pertinax Pharma, he will be tasked with molding the company’s corporate, strategic and business development plans as it moves into the commercialization process of its controlled-release antiseptic.
“I am delighted to take on this position at such a pivotal phase in the company’s development. Pertinax has enormous market potential in multiple fields,” Brooksby said in prepared remarks. “We are already in talks with several manufacturers and over the course of the next twelve months, we confidently expect to have applications of Pertinax in development for use in wound care, veterinary and dental products.”
“We are delighted that Nigel has chosen to join our board. His unparalleled experience in the pharmaceutical and related industries, his long-established industry connections and his experience with early-stage biomedical companies make him the ideal individual for the tasks at hand,” founder & chief scientific officer, Michele Barbour added. “Indeed, we look forward to Nigel playing a pivotal role in Pertinax Pharma’s continued development as we bring the benefits of our patented and commercialized Pertinax technology to the healthcare sector.”
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Pfizer promotes Bourla to COO
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) this month named Albert Bourla as chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1 of 2018. Bourla has previously served as group president of Pfizer’s Innovative Health business.
“The naming of a chief operating officer comes at a time when our business is strong as we continue to advance our strategy while also managing a dynamic and challenging external environment,” chairman & CEO Ian Read said in prepared remarks.
“The addition of a COO will enable me to spend more time focusing on the company’s long term strategic direction, ensuring continued R&D productivity and engaging with government policy and industry leaders on key issues facing the future of the healthcare industry. Albert is a proven and trusted leader with over two decades of leadership experience and a demonstrated track record for delivering strong business results. He possesses the right combination of skills, knowledge, strengths and a deep commitment to Pfizer’s culture that make him the clear choice to become Pfizer’s COO.”
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Gamida Cell hires new chairman, CEO
Gamida Cell said this month that it appointed Julian Adams to serve as the company’s chairman & CEO. Yael Margolin, the company’s current chief executive, plans to stay on as president.
“Gamida Cell’s proprietary NAM technology platform has unprecedented potential to create curative cellular and immune therapeutics for a diverse population of patients in need,” Adams said in prepared remarks. “I am excited to be joining such a talented team as we begin to prepare for the commercialization of our lead program, NiCord, which is currently in phase III clinical testing. I would like to thank Yael for her dedication throughout her time as CEO, and look forward to partnering with her to realize the potential of this promising pipeline for patients with cancer and rare genetic diseases.”
“Julian is one of the most respected leaders in the biotechnology industry and has successfully led the global development and registration of multiple clinical programs,” Margolin added. “This is a dynamic time at Gamida Cell and as we advance the pipeline including our lead candidate, NiCord, we are excited to have Julian join us and support our objectives of expanding Gamida Cell’s global presence in the U.S. market.”
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Neurocrine Biosciences appoints ex-Zimmer Biomet exec as CFO
Neurocrine Biosciences (NSDQ:NBIX) said last week that it named Matt Abernethy as the company’s chief financial officer.
Abernethy previously worked at Zimmer Biomet, where he held roles including VP of investor relations and treasurer, as well as VP of finance for the Americas and global product engines businesses.
“We are very pleased to welcome Matt Abernethy to the Neurocrine team as our chief financial officer,” CEO Kevin Gorman said in prepared remarks. “Matt’s strong background in commercial finance and investor relations will be vital to Neurocrine as we continue to execute on our commercialization and clinical plans in support of our commitment to relieve patient suffering and enhance lives.”
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