Jay Millerhagen joins St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division as Senior Director, Clinical Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Senior Executive of Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management Division.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of medical device executive Jay Millerhagen to St. Jude Medical, a global cardiovascular medical device company, based in St. Paul, Minnesota.

St. Jude’s Atrial Fibrillation Business Unit designs, manufactures, and markets specialty cardiovascular devices for the electrophysiology segment of the cardiac rhythm management market and for the interventional cardiology market.

Millerhagen was most recently Director of Patient Management Business Alliance at Boston Scientific Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) where he managed business alliance strategies for key products and partnerships and clinical data initiatives for the division.  Prior to Millerhagen’s Business Alliance role, he directed Heart Failure Market Development for CRM.  There, he assembled and managed a large marketing team responsible for Guidant/Boston Scientific’s HF product line and led the development, recruitment and oversight of the COMPANION trial.

“Millerhagen has moved from early stage product development to clinical development to successful product launch in the CRM arena” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “As a highly strategic ‘best athlete’ in the CRM Business, he will bring experienced clinical development leadership and quality execution to the St. Jude’s Atrial Fibrillation Division.

Millerhagen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physiology and Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from St. Cloud State University.  He received an MBA in General Management from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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Blaine Knight to join the Southern Research Institute as Vice President of Drug Discovery

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Globalization Projects and Preclinical Development for GlaxoSmithKline

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Blaine Knight, an experienced scientist and drug discovery executive, to the Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. 

Southern Research Institute is an independent, not-for-profit center for scientific research providing innovative leadership in scientific discovery, drug development, engineering, aerospace, materials, environmental and energy research, chemical and biological defense, and homeland security.   

With a focus on the discovery and advancement of new, small-molecule therapeutics from the design stage to the clinic, Southern Research Institute’s Drug Discovery Research Division has accomplished innovative research in the areas of cancer, infectious disease and neuroscience.

Most recently, Knight was the Vice President, Globalization Projects and Preclinical Development for GlaxoSmithKline, where he developed a strategy for establishing R&D facilities in Asia and identified opportunities for outsourcing and innovative science from discovery to proof of concept from the American and European GSK sites in Asia.   Knight has held several executive positions at GSK within the Discovery Research Directorate including VP, Strategic Alliances; VP, Screening Sciences; and VP, Systems Research.  Prior to his roles at GSK, he held leadership positions in the Biochemistry Division at Glaxo Wellcome and in the Division of Molecular Sciences at the Glaxo Research Institute.

“Blaine is a strong and talented scientist with global understanding of the process of discovery,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice president of Life Science Partner.  “He will successfully build upon the Institute’s considerable platform and further enhance their reputation as one of the nation’s premier drug discovery organizations.”

Knight received his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and earned his Doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland in College Park.  Blaine completed his National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI.

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Mark Phelps to join LifeSync Corporation as Vice President of Research and Development

Life Science Partner announces recruitment of former Senior Director, Product Development and Technology at Medtronic, Inc.

Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Mark Phelps, a senior technology development leader, to LifeSync Corporation as the Vice President of Research and Development.

LifeSync is an early stage medical device company focused on the continued development, marketing and sales of the first wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) data communications system appropriate for hospital and outpatient settings.

In his most recent role at Medtronic, a global leader in the development of medical technology, Phelps managed the Electronic Systems Technology, New Therapies and Diagnostics Division of Medtronic’s Microelectronics Center in Tempe, Arizona.

His team’s contributions to technology development impacted the wide range of electrophysiology products including pacemakers and external defibrillators.  Well versed in medical device development, Phelps was previously Senior Manager of Tachyarrhythmia Product Development for the company.  Before joining Medtronic, Phelps managed Strategic Product Development for Motorola.

“Phelps is the prototype of a forward-thinking scientist and technology innovator,” noted Tom Callaway, President of Life Science Partner.  “He will be a visionary leader in building innovative technologies for LifeSync in its mission to enable the future of healthcare for improved patient outcomes.”

At LifeSync, Phelps will be focused on developing a world-class engineering team building the next-generation biological data sensors, transmission devices and integrated systems.   He will serve as senior technical advisor and provide insight on how the technology can serve customer needs and direction in expanding the company’s platform.

Phelps earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Electrical Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) in Melbourne, Florida.  He received a PhD in Electrical Engineering from FIT as well.

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Randy Jones joins Windy Hill Medical as Vice President, Preclinical Development

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President of Biology Services of Ricerca Biosciences

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Randy Jones, PhD, an experienced pharmaceutical development executive, to Windy Hill Medical to become Vice President, Preclinical Development. 

Windy Hill Medical is a California-based medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on the development of products to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in patients deemed to be at high risk.

In Jones’ previous role at Ricerca, a preclinical chemistry and biology services company, he was responsible for the operational and profit and loss responsibility for all areas of the Biology Division as well as new business development and the integration of IND/NDA programs in biology and chemistry.  Previously, Jones served as the Director of Toxicology at the Arkansas Division of Charles River Laboratories.

“Jones is an experienced and effective general manager, unflappable in style, with a broad understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and how to build successful teams,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “With his experience in medical devices as well as biopharmaceutical services, he will serve Windy Hill well in its mission to bring lasting improvements for high risk patients.”

In his role as Vice President of  Preclinical Development, Jones will have responsibility for overseeing the continued pharmaceutical development of Windy Hill Medical’s expanding portfolio of compounds under development for the localized therapy of breast cancer.  He will provide commercialization strategy and regulatory oversight to the Windy Hill team.

Jones earned his D.V.M at Iowa State University and his PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Georgia in Athens.

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Mark Low joins the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Managing Director

Life Science Partner recruits Senior Leader from the Cardiovascular Medical Device Industry.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Low, a senior cardiovascular medical device executive, to the newly created Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) based in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Headquartered on the campus of The Cleveland Clinic, GCIC was launched with a $60 million grant for the State of Ohio through its Wright Center of Innovation program to develop and commercialize new cardiovascular products.  Working with the GCIC’s Board of Directors and Commercialization Advisory Board, Low will build a team to utilize the considerable clinical, research and commercialization capabilities of the GCIC member organizations in northeast Ohio.

GCIC will be focused on developing technologies in partnership with established cardiovascular-focused companies and in newly-formed start-up companies.

Low has spent most of his career developing new cardiovascular technologies in both small, venture-backed companies and large medical device companies.   He has most recently provided market analysis, strategy and business development services for cardiovascular applications and technologies as an independent consultant.  Previously, Low was Vice President of Business and Market Development for Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a drug delivery and specialty pharmaceutical company in Bothell, Washington.  Earlier he led the market development of intra-vascular ultrasound (IVUS) at Hewlett Packard.

“Low is a well-networked and experienced marketing and commercialization executive in the field of cardiovascular technologies,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “Working with GCIC and its affiliate institutions, Low will connect technology leaders at Cleveland Clinic and Case Western with corporate leaders and venture funding sources.”

Low earned a Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science from Johns Hopkins University, a Master of Science in Physiology from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and a Master of Science in Technical Communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

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Jane Weiss Doerr joins Windy Hill Medical as Director of Clinical Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Senior Director, Program Management for Genzyme Corporation

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Jane Weiss Doerr, RN, MSN, a seasoned oncology clinical trials executive, to Windy Hill Medical as Director of Clinical Affairs.

Windy Hill Medical is a California-based medical device and pharmaceutical company focused on the development of products to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in patients deemed to be at high risk.

In Doerr’s previous role at Genzyme, a global biotechnology company developing advanced technologies for the treatment of numerous debilitating diseases, she managed a multi-disciplinary global product development team delivering oncology products to the market.  Previously, Doerr was Director and Product Team leader for ILEX Oncology, Inc. where she was responsible for numerous oncology products in various stages of development.  She also served as Senior Vice President for Oncology Research Partners, a national network of academic and community physicians focused on cancer care.

“Jane has a wealth of experience in the oncology clinical and biopharmaceutical industry and is well-grounded as a strategic thinker and operational leader,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “She is very passionate about bringing lasting improvements in healthcare for patients with cancer.”

In her role as Director of Clinical Affairs, Doerr will have the responsibility for managing all phases of Windy Hill’s global clinical trials for the expanding portfolio of compounds under development.  She will collaborate with academic thought leaders, provide strategic direction to the company and build a world-class clinical development team with an eye toward successful FDA and European approvals.

Doerr earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in San Antonio, Texas.  She received a Master of Science in Nursing from the University’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

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Nancy McLane to join LifeSync Corporation as Senior Vice President, Operations

Life Science Partner announces recruitment of former Executive Director Operations, New Product Development for Cordis Corporation.

Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Nancy McLane, a senior operations executive, to LifeSync Corporation as the Senior Vice President of Operations. 

LifeSync is an early stage medical device company focused on the continued development, marketing and sales of the first wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) data communications system appropriate for hospital and outpatient settings.

In her most recent role at Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson Company producing medical devices for cardiovascular, endovascular and neurovascular markets, McLane was responsible for the overall operations for the development and commercialization for Cordis’ drug-eluting stent products including  production start-up and launch in the European market.  Previously, she served as the Executive Director of Operations for the Neurovascular Division.  Prior to her tenure at Cordis, McLane managed plant operations for C.R. Bard, a multi-national producer and distributor of medical devices with various locations in the US and Mexico.

“With a strong background in all aspects of medical device manufacturing, Nancy will be a leader in building supply networks and help LifeSync ramp up to meet demand for its wireless ECG System and disposable LeadWear,” noted Tom Callaway, President of Life Science Partner.

At LifeSync, McLane will be focused on building a top-flight manufacturing and support team for LifeSync’s wireless communication devices and proprietary technologies.   As the senior technical and operations leader for LifeSync, she will manage customer relations, technical support, and external manufacturing activities.

McLane earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from Northeast University in Boston.  She received an MBA from Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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Carol Gallagher joins the Metastatix, Inc. as Chief Executive Officer

Life Science Partner recruits former SVP, Corporate Development and Commercial Affairs of Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Carol Gallagher, an experienced biotechnology and pharmaceutical executive, to Metastatix, Inc. 

Metastatix is an emerging pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing effective, convenient and safe small-molecule drugs for a broad portfolio of indications including cancer, HIV infection and inflammation.  The company’s initial focus has been on the CXCR4 receptor, a critical mediator of cellular and chemical trafficking.

Gallagher was Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Commercial Affairs for Anadys Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialization of small-molecule medicines for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cancer, where she was responsible for commercial and portfolio leadership, business development and strategic planning. 

Earlier, Gallagher was Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product Planning for the CancerVax Corporation where she successfully led all aspects of commercial planning and product development for the launch of a Phase III oncology product and the alliance with Serono Pharmaceuticals.  Throughout her career, Gallagher held leadership positions at Biogen Idec, Agouron/Pfizer, Amgen and Eli Lilly and Company.

“Carol is a well networked and experienced marketing and commercialization executive in the field of biotechnology drug development for oncology markets,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “We welcome her to our hometown of Atlanta where she’ll lead Metastatix’ broad portfolio platform through all phases of building a world class biotechnology company.”

Metastatix recently raised a $35M Series B round from a nationally recognized group of venture investors including Frazier Healthcare Ventures, HIG Ventures, SROne, Aruna, and Georgia Ventures Partners.

Gallagher earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences at Vanderbilt University and received her Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Kentucky.

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Edward Cannon to join the AerovectRx Corporation as Chief Executive Officer

Life Science Partner recruits former CEO of AdipoGenix, Inc.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Ed Cannon, an entrepreneurial pharmaceutical executive, to AerovectRx Corporation. 

AerovectRx is an early-stage aerosol therapeutic development company capitalizing upon its unique AeroCell™ disposable drug cartridge to improve patient compliance, eliminate multi-user cross contamination, and deliver a wide variety of vaccine and therapies.   Licensed from the Centers for Disease Control, the delivery platform has the potential to improve vaccines, pulmonary drugs, and lung-delivered therapeutics for systemic diseases.

Cannon was the founder and CEO of AdipoGenix, Inc., an early stage biopharmaceutical company utilizing a novel drug discovery technology to isolate fat precursor cells and identify small molecule drug candidates that treat obesity and its co-morbidities.  He was responsible for building a management and scientific team, creating strategy around the technology platform, and raising capital for the company.  Earlier, Cannon was the founding CEO of Elixir Pharmaceuticals, where he successfully led the team through Series A and B funding and three major discovery programs, each with a lead series of compounds.  In addition, Cannon was co-founder of Dyax Corporation where he was president of the therapeutics and diagnostics division.

“Ed is the consummate start-up biotech executive who understands the complexity of drug discovery and development, while executing on fundraising and business development activities,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “Working with founder Matthew Kim, Cannon will move the company’s platform to create new aerosol therapeutics through partnerships and the company’s own molecules.”

Cannon will build a start-up team overseeing research and product development, clinical and regulatory, operations and sales and marketing.

Cannon received a Bachelor of Science degree, a Masters in Statistics and Computer Sciences and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Georgia.  He completed his postdoctoral training in Molecular Immunology at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

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Sam Helgerson to join Symphony Medical, Inc. as Vice President, Research and Development

Life Science Partner recruits former Senior Research Director of Bioscience Research & Development at Baxter Healthcare Corporation.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Sam Helgerson, a senior product development leader, to Symphony Medical, Inc. as the Vice President, Research and Development.

Symphony Medical is a venture-backed development stage company focused on non-destructive therapies directed toward the treatment of cardiac abnormalities. The Company is currently developing a number of novel technologies including a non-surgical, non-ablative biological therapy for the treatment of post-operative atrial fibrillation, a therapy for congestive heart failure that utilizes unique biomaterials to effect cardiac reconstruction and reversal of cardiac remodeling and a cell-based biologic therapy for the treatment of chronic atrial fibrillation.

In Helgerson’s most recent role at Baxter Healthcare, a global manufacturing company that develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology products for the healthcare industry, he was responsible for leading the R&D efforts focused on developing biotherapeutic products for tissue regeneration, especially to promote angiogenesis and neovascularization in both wound healing and bone regeneration applications.  Prior to his numerous leadership roles at Baxter, Helgerson held academic research positions at the University of California and Montana State University.

“Sam has extensive leadership experience in biopharmaceutical product development and a drive and enthusiasm to successfully take products from early-stage discovery through to commercialization,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.

Helgerson will have the responsibility of providing scientific intelligence and leading the decision process regarding the potential clinical utility, product definition and development, and regulatory strategy of products within the product pipeline.

Helgerson received his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and his Doctorate degree in Biophysics from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  He completed his postdoctoral fellowship at the Cardiovascular Research institute at the University of California in San Francisco.

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