Tag Archive for: Diagnostics and Research

Life Science Partner Recruits Robert Superko as Vice President of Medical Affairs for Celera

Co-Founder of Berkley HeartLab to Lead Medical Affairs at Celera

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Robert Superko, MD, most recently Executive Director of Genomics and Human Health at St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta’s Translational Research Institute, to Celera.

Celera is a healthcare business delivering personalized disease management through a combination of products and services incorporating proprietary discoveries, including a clinical services business, Berkley HeartLab (BHL).  Celera commercializes a wide range of molecular diagnostic products and technologies to provide personalized disease management in cancer and liver diseases.

Dr. Superko is a world leader in the field of metabolic heart disease diagnosis and treatment, and genomics, which is the ability to tailor treatment specifically to a patient based on their genetic makeup.  He has published over 100 manuscripts and 19 textbook chapters and is the author of BEFORE THE HEART ATTACKS, a book written for the lay public explaining advanced aspects of heart disease.

In his role at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Superko continued his research to identify patients’ genetic susceptibility to heart disease, cancer and other chronic disease states. A co-founder of BHL, Dr. Superko will serve as Vice President of Medical Affairs where he will be the key medical spokesperson for the company’s products and services and the key liaison with physician and research collaborators, including academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and the FDA.

“Superko will bring his deep scientific knowledge, world-renowned reputation, and great passion for understanding the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease to the company,” noted Tom Callaway, President of Life Science Partner.  “There is no better person to prepare Celera’s market for the emerging revolution in personalized disease management.”

Dr. Superko earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of California, San Diego, and his Medical degree from the State University of New York, Stony Brook.  He completed his Internship and Fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of California, Davis.

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Gene Jung joins the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Senior Director of Product Development

Life Science Partner recruits Senior Cardiovascular Product Development Executive.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Gene Jung, formerly Vice President of Engineering at ProRhythm, 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 to develop and commercialize new cardiovascular products.  GCIC will utilize the considerable clinical, research and commercialization capabilities of the GCIC member organizations in northeast Ohio and focus on developing technologies in partnership with established cardiovascular-focused companies and in newly-formed start-up companies.

In Jung’s most recent role at ProRhythm, he was responsible for developing the company’s High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology into a commercial product for Atrial Fibrillation.

Previously, Jung was a Medical Device Consultant in Tokyo where he designed and developed intra-vascular coronary products for numerous Japanese Medical Device Companies.   Prior to his work in Japan, Jung served as Research and Development Director at the Image Guided Therapy Division at Jomed Corporation in San Diego.

“Jung has a broad view of medical device technology from early-stage physician-driven innovation though product commercialization,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner. “His extensive technical leadership background across multiple cardiovascular platforms and his strong industry and physician networks will serve GCIC well.”

Jung earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.

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Shubhayu Basu to join the Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center as Director of Product Development

Life Science Partner recruits Innovative R&D Scientist.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Shubhayu Basu, PhD, formerly Group Lead for New Business Ventures at Abbott Vascular, to the newly created Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center (GCIC) based in Cleveland, Ohio.

The organization was launched with a $60 million grant for the State of Ohio to develop and commercialize new cardiovascular products.  GCIC will focus on developing technologies in partnership with established cardiovascular-focused companies and in newly-formed start-up companies.

In Basu’s former role at Abbott Vascular (formerly Guidant), he was responsible for creating and implementing processes for identifying emerging technologies and various disease spaces and opportunities against the company portfolio and growth landscape.   Previously, he served as Group Lead, Research and Development, Cardiac Therapies for the company.

Prior to joining Guidant/Abbott, Basu was a Biodesign Innovation Fellow at Stanford University’s Biodesign Program in Palo Alto, CA.

“Basu will join another LSP recruit – Gene Jung – who shares his passion about new technologies and their application in patient care,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “His ability to work with complex technologies to identify commercial opportunities and to oversee their development is a perfect fit for the GCIC team.”

Basu earned both his Bachelor and Masters Degree of Technology in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India.  He received his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Ohio State University in Columbus.

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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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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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Jeffrey Gross, PhD, joins Angiotech Pharmaceuticals as Vice President of Engineering

Life Science Partner recruits former Group Director, Biologics Research and Development of Medtronic Sofamor Danek.

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Jeffrey Gross, PhD, former Group Director of Biologics R & D at Medtronic Sofamor Danek in Memphis, Tennessee, as Vice President of Engineering. 

Angiotech is the world leader in the emerging field of drug-eluting medical devices and biomaterials.   With an accelerated program to integrate pharmaceutical and biologically active materials to improve its products, Gross will lead the discovery team to capitalize upon Angiotech’s considerable intellectual property portfolio to create breakthrough products.

In Jeff’s previous role at Medtronic, he led large multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers in the development of heart valves and, more recently, in innovative, next-generation biological products for spine and cranial surgeons.

“Jeff has a broad cardiovascular product background and is well-grounded in biological and mechanical medical device development,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He knows how to lead cross-functional teams across multiple technologies to bridge the combination product development divide successfully.”

In his role as Vice President of Engineering, Jeff will provide strategic and tactical direction for engineering R & D across multiple complex device platforms within numerous sites and divisions of Angiotech.  His teams will bridge the continuum from product concept through design review phases, and pilot manufacturing and transfer.

Jeff earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology and his M.S in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Houston.   He received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering (Biofluid Mechanics) from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Recruits Tim Lowinger as Vice President, Pharmaceutical Science and Chemistry

Life Science Partner recruits Tim Lowinger, PhD, global leader in chemistry research and development to help propel proprietary products

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Tim Lowinger, PhD, formerly vice president, chemistry research at Bayer Healthcare, to lead Angiotech Pharmaceuticals’ newly formed division of pharmaceutical science and chemistry. Angiotech is the world leader in the emerging field of drug-eluting medical devices and biomaterials.  

With an accelerated program to integrate pharmaceutical and biologically active materials to improve its products, Lowinger will lead the discovery team to capitalize upon Angiotech’s considerable intellectual property portfolio to create break-through products.

Lowinger is well-positioned to lead this team, as he has considerable experience at Bayer in chemistry development as well as in leadership of global teams including medicinal and analytical chemistry departments – developing drugs from hit generation through lead optimization.

“Tim is a triple threat,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He is the prototype of the top-shelf pharmaceutical chemist.  He has built and led global teams – spanning the U.S., Japan and Germany.  Tim has the ability to see beyond the lab bench to find solutions that can improve patients’ lives.”

Joining Bayer as a research scientist in 1993, Lowinger was responsible for all chemistry efforts within the cancer exploratory research team. He was promoted to the head of the chemistry department at Bayer Yakuhin, where he established a new cancer research center and built Bayer’s first Japanese chemistry research facility.  After establishing a global research center, he was relocated to corporate headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany, to become responsible for the virology therapeutic area.  In 2003, he assumed responsibility for the global chemistry organization as Vice President, Chemistry Research based in West Haven, CT.

Lowinger earned his B.Sc. (Chemistry) and PhD (Organic Chemistry) at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.  He was a Merck Post-doctoral Fellow at Ohio State University under the leadership of Professor Leo Paquette as his advisor.

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