Tag Archive for: Chief Medical Officer

Chris Fang joins Humacyte as Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the recruitment of Chris Fang, MD, MBA, MHSc as Chief Medical Officer of Humacyte.

Fang’s expertise in biologics and medical devices will be an invaluable asset for Humacyte, a pioneering regenerative medicine company. Humacyte’s lab-grown, acellular blood vessels have been awarded FDA fast-track status for their use in dialysis grafts. The company is launching a series of trials to demonstrate their efficacy in general vascular repair/replacement, including in coronary, peripheral, and saphenous veins.

With a strong background in clinical trials, health economics and product development, Fang will spearhead Humacyte’s pursuit of additional indications for their flagship product, HUMACYL®.

Chris Fang

Fang has over twenty years of experience as a physician leader in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to joining Humacyte, Fang founded Amaris Partners, an international consultancy which facilitated investment from principally Asia-based partners into U.S.-based companies that develop and implement novel medical technologies.

Before founding Amaris, Fang served as a Board Member and Worldwide Vice President, Strategic Medical Affairs and Medical Sciences for Johnson & Johnson DePuy for the Asia Pacific Region. In this role, Fang managed the clinical evidence strategy and product safety worldwide with responsibilities for new product development, reimbursement and business development.

Fang also served as the Medical Adviser to the Regenerative Medicine Business Unit and chaired the Worldwide Pipeline Committee responsible for the approval of investigator-initiated studies.

“Fang has a broad understanding of clinical trial management and development in pharmaceuticals, medical devices and regenerative medicine, combined with deep expertise in the regulatory approval process” notes Tom Callaway, MD, MBA, Founder of Life Science Partner. “His experience working in the Asian Pacific region will also be an asset to Humacyte as the company expands into these markets.”

About Life Science Partner Executive Search

Life Science Partner is a specialized executive search firm that recruits transformational leaders for healthcare and life sciences companies. Our high-touch, partner-led process ensures an exceptional level of service, while our backgrounds as physicians and industry executives enable us to efficiently deliver the brightest candidates in the medical device, biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and healthcare technology fields.

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Susan Blank Joins BioConfirm Laboratories as Chief Medical Officer

Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Atlanta Healing Center and President of the Georgia Society of Addiction Medicine

Life Science Partner is pleased to announce the recruitment of Susan Blank, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer for the Atlanta Healing Center to become the Chief Medical Officer for BioConfirm Laboratories-a new company based in Atlanta committed to providing personalized physician-led solutions and services for patients and clinicians surrounding addiction and substance abuse.

With her entire career focused on the treatment of addiction and behavioral health with a true passion for healing through comprehensive programs, Life Science Partner identified Blank as a key expert for establishing the therapy platform at BioConfirm.

As an active expert and advocate for addiction recovery, Blank can be heard nationwide every Tuesday on her weekly radio show “Detailing Addiction” on America’s Web Radio. “Her passion, enthusiasm, and in depth knowledge of comprehensive addiction therapy will be a major asset to BioConfirm’s growth,” states Tom Callaway, President and Founder of Life Science Partner.

Blank earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Augusta College and she completed her MD from the Medical College of Georgia.

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Michel Hermans, MD Joins TissueTech as Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

Former Medical Director, Global Medical Marketing, ConvaTec

Life Science Partner recruited Michel Hermans, MD, a surgically trained medical affairs executive to become Chief Medical Officer for TissueTech.

Hermans joins TissueTech after serving as a biopharma consultant for his own firm and Medical Director, Global Medical Marketing for ConvaTech.   Previously, Hermans served served as Medical Director for Ortec where he successfully led the new clinical trials for the commercialization of OrCel globally.

TissueTech, Inc. is a leader in regenerative amniotic tissue-based products for use in the ophthalmology, optometry, orthopedic reconstructive surgeries and wound care markets.

TissueTech offers its portfolio products through its commercial entities: BioTissue, Inc., the industry leader in regenerative tissue therapies for ocular surface diseases and disorders, and Amniox Medical, a leading technology provider to the orthopedic and wound care markets.

“Hermans has the direct clinical trials management experience that leads to the approval of biologics in the BLA regulatory pathway – and brings that background to TissueTech’s clinical and regulatory strategy,” states Tom Callaway, MD, Founder and President of Life Science Partner.  “In addition, as a specialist in treating burn patients, he brings real-life clinical experience to the company.”

Hermans earned his Medical Degree from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands and completed his training in general surgery, burn and trauma care from the Rode Kruis Ziekenhuis and Burn Center in Beverwijk, Netherlands.

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Bob Wassman, MD, Recruited to become Chief Medical Officer for Lineagen

Former Chief Medical Officer Rosetta Genomics

Life Science Partner recruited Bob Wassman, MD, to become Chief Medical Officer of Lineagen to lead The Company’s clinical direction, product strategy, medical affairs, and global trials and registration process for Lineagen’s products and services.

Previously, as Chief Medical Officer for Rosetta Genomics, Wassman played a critical role in building the commercial, clinical and reimbursement strategy for the Rosetta’s microRNA-based platform technologies. He partnered closely with CEO Ken Berlin to evaluate new technologies to build out a fully personalized medicine resulting in the acquisition of PersonalizedDx.

Wassman joined Rosetta after leading the pharmagenomics services program at CVS Caremark, after, It’s acquisition of Generation Health, to improve precision therapy management and guide program development. Throughout his career Wassman has served in several key genomic leadership roles for cutting edge companies such as Good Start Genetics, Celula, Genzyme, and Prometheus.

“With a successful track record in building CLIA-based laboratory businesses combining scientific and clinical knowledge, Wassman will be a critical asset for Lineagen’s future growth and development,” stated Tom Callaway, MD, President and Founder of Life Science Partner.

Wassman earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Yale University and his MD from Albany Medical College.

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Gloria Matthews, DVM, Joins Histogenics as Chief Medical Officer

Former Senior Director, Research and Development At Genzyme/Sanofi

Life Science Partner has recruited Gloria Matthews, DVM, PhD to become Chief Medical Officer at Histogenics.

In her new role Matthews will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Adam Gridley, and will serve as the senior physician within Histogenics responsible for clinical direction, product strategy, medical affairs, and strategic oversight of the global clinical trials for the Company’s products.

Mathews joins Histogenics from Genzyme/Sanofi where she led the global development team focused on two autologous cell therapies for cartridge repair including Carticel. She is a well published and leader in the field of regenerative medicine, with a corporate background that integrates fundamental science, clinical development, and global regulatory expertise.

“As a globally recognized thought leader for orthopedic R&D, Matthews has led global teams focused on regenerative medicine including US, Europe and Asia,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, President of Life Science Partner. “With her deep knowledge of cartilage regeneration and its challenges, Matthews will bring her considerable experience to help commercialize Histogenics’ portfolio.”

Matthews received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and Animal Science, as well as her PhD in Cell/Matrix Biology and DVM from Cornell University.

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Jon Hopper, MBChB Recruited to Osiris Therapeutics

Former Vice President, Global Medical Director, Stryker

Life Science Partner recruited Jon Hopper, MBChB, an accomplished physician executive to become Chief Medical Officer for Osiris Therapeutics. Osiris is the leading stem cell company focused on developing products to treat conditions in wound care, orthopedic and sports medicine markets.

Hopper joins Osiris after serving as the Vice President, Global Medical Director at Stryker. In his new role, Hopper will report directly to CEO Lode Debrabandere and oversee medical affairs, clinical development and regulatory affairs globally. He will be responsible for providing high-level market strategy for Osiris’ leadership within regenerative medicine.

“Hopper has a worldview of developing and marketing both orthopedic and wound healing products in the US, Asia and Europe,” notes Tom Callaway, MD, President of Life Science Partner. “He has helped developing clinical and post-marketing plans for complex biologic products including living cells.”

Hopper earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Anatomical Studies and his MB ChB from the University of Birmingham, UK.

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Lisa Becker joins AGA Medical as Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Director, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs at Boston Scientific

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Lisa Becker, a senior medical device regulatory executive, to become Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs for the AGA Medical Corporation.

AGA Medical is a Plymouth, Minnesota based medical device company focused on the development, design, manufacture, and marketing of nitinol-based occlusion devices and accessories for the minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular defects and peripheral vascular disease. AGA Medical was recently acquired by St. Jude Medical.

In her most recent role at Boston Scientific, Becker served as Director of Worldwide Regulatory Affairs for the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division.  During Becker’s long tenure at Guidant/Boston Scientific, she served in numerous regulatory leadership roles of increasing responsibility for the company.  Becker’s early career was spent in the U.S Air Force as a Military Personnel Flight Commander.

“Lisa is an articulate and passionate leader who has built both small highly efficient regulatory teams and managed large complex international regulatory organizations,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “She has an impressive track record of creating innovative systems which utilize data-driven metrics to accelerate the regulatory approval process.”

Becker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Behavior with General Engineering Minor from the United State Air Force Academy and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management and Information Systems from Chapman University.

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Maria Koullick, PhD, joins AGA Medical as Senior Director of Clinical Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Clinical Affairs Executive at ATS Medical, Inc.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Maria Koullick, PhD, a senior clinical trials executive, to AGA Medical to become Senior Director of Clinical Affairs for the company.

AGA Medical Corporation is a Plymouth, Minnesota based medical device company focused on the development, design, manufacture, and marketing of nitinol-based occlusion devices and accessories for the minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular defects and peripheral vascular disease.  AGA Medical was recently acquired by St. Jude Medical.

Koullick comes to AGA Medical from ATS Medical, a Minneapolis-based company which was recently acquired by Medtronic.  She directed the strategy and executed the company’s clinical programs for surgical valves, repair products and surgical ablation technologies.

Previously, Koullick held similar roles of increasing responsibility at Medtronic’s Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management and Neurological Divisions.

“Maria has a unique international clinical research trajectory – from the Cardiovascular Surgery Center in Moscow to the National Cardiovascular Surgery Center in Osaka to Medtronic,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “Her metric-driven skills emerge from her PhD in Biomedical Engineering, but she has also demonstrated her ability to build and lead a team that accomplishes difficult goals.

She will serve the company well in its mission to bring lasting improvements for patients with cardiovascular defects and peripheral vascular disease.”

Koullick earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Organic Chemistry from the University of Chemical Technology in Moscow, Russia.  She completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the Bakulev Cardiovascular Surgery Center.

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Life Science Partner Recruits Mark Brecher as Chief Medical Officer for the Laboratory Corporation of America

Former Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Director of McLendon Clinical Laboratories Joins LabCorp.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Brecher, MD, formerly Director of McLendon Clinical Laboratories at the University of North Carolina Hospitals, to the Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp).

LabCorp is one of the world’s largest clinical laboratory networks with scientific expertise in esoteric testing, genomics, and clinical and anatomic pathology.  LabCorp performs more than one million tests on approximately 400,000 samples each day.  LabCorp is a pioneer in the commercialization of new diagnostic technologies, with more than 35 years of experience in serving physicians and their patients. Brecher will fill the role of retiring Chief Medical Officer, Myla Lai-Goldman.

Brecher has been with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill since 1992 where he most recently served as Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chair of the McLendon Clinical Laboratories, Director of Clinical Pathology and the past Director of Transplantation and Transfusion Services.

In his new role at LabCorp, Brecher will have primary responsibility to oversee the clinical pathologists and laboratory technicians, lead quality for the organization, and provide insight into new technologies and services that will make LabCorp the continued leader in the clinical diagnostic arena.

“Brecher is a demonstrated leader in academic medicine – and in providing leadership to physician-led organizations,” noted Tom Callaway, President of Life Science Partner.    “While he has a national reputation in transfusion medicine, but he has built a solid program at Chapel Hill of outreach to physicians seeking esoteric testing services.”

Brecher was awarded his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry at Emory University and his Medical Degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago.   He completed a Surgical Residency, as well as Clinical and Anatomic Pathology Residencies, at the University of Chicago School of Medicine where he served at Chief Resident.

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Pam Simons joins AGA Medical as Senior Director of Clinical Affairs

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Uptake Medical

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Pam Simons, an experienced medical device clinical and regulatory executive, to AGA Medical to become Senior Director of Clinical Affairs for the company.

AGA Medical Corporation Plymouth, Minnesota based medical device company focused on the development, design, manufacture, and marketing of nitinol-based occlusion devices and accessories for the minimally invasive treatment of cardiovascular defects and peripheral vascular disease.

In Simons’ previous role at Uptake Medical, a Seattle-based company developing non-surgical treatment for emphysema and COPD, she was responsible for worldwide efforts in clinical and regulatory affairs for the company.  Previously, Simons held a similar role at First Circle Medical where she led development and execution of the company’s global clinical development from Phase I to commercialization.

“Simons is a high energy individual with a demonstrated track record of success in development and execution of clinical strategy and regulatory approval for innovation Class II medical devices,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “With her passion and experience, she will serve AGA Medical well in its mission to bring lasting improvements for patients with cardiovascular defects and peripheral vascular disease.”

Simons earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Sciences from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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