Tag Archive for: Medical Devices

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.

Learn More About Life Science Partner

Click button below to learn more about how we recruit Chief Executives:

Learn More About Chief Executive Functions
/0 Comments/by

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.

/0 Comments/by

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.

/0 Comments/by

Chris Dennis to join Angiotech Pharmaceuticals as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Life Science Partner announces recruitment of former Global President of J&J’s OrthoNeutrogena Company, a Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.

Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Chris Dennis, a senior sales, marketing and general management executive, to Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as the Senior VP of  Sales and Marketing.   

Angiotech is a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company that discovers, develops, and markets innovative technologies and medical products primarily for local diseases or for complications associated with medical device implants, surgical interventions and acute injury.

In Dennis’ most recent role at OrthoNeutrogena, a pharmaceutical and aesthetic device company, he was responsible for the overall strategy and business growth initiatives.  In his previous position at Janssen Ortho, Inc., a Canadian pharmaceutical company, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales where he managed a wide range of prescription medications. 

Mr. Dennis also held the position of President, LifeScan Canada Ltd. (medical devices), where he oversaw the sales, marketing and distribution of diagnostic products for people with diabetes.   He also held a number of sales and management roles at McNeil Consumer Products, a J&J company, and Bristol Myers Products Canada.

At Angiotech, Dennis will be focused on building a global sales and marketing organization and commercialization strategy that includes the company’s sales and market capability in the five identified markets of Ophthalmology, Wound Closure, Vascular, Biopsy and Aesthetics.  He will have the responsibility for building near-term strategies and subsequent revenues from innovating technologies existing within each of these product areas.

Learn More About Life Science Partner

Click button below to learn more about how we recruit Chief Executives:

Learn More About Chief Executive Functions
/0 Comments/by

Tom Weber to join Angiotech Pharmaceuticals as Senior Director of Analytical Chemistry

Life Science Partner recruits former Director, Analytical Research and Development of Celator Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Life Science Partner announces the appointment of Tom Weber, a pharmaceutical R & D executive, to Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as the Director of Analytical Chemistry.

Angiotech is a 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, Weber will lead the analytical chemistry team to capitalize upon Angiotech’s considerable intellectual property portfolio to create break-through products.

At Celator Pharmaceuticals, an early-stage biopharmaceutical company developing new combination therapies to treat cancer, Weber led the analytical and bioanalytical development of new products through validation, technical transfer and clinical stage product testing.   As experienced pharmaceutical scientist, he was previously a senior research and development officer in a several early, mid and development stage pharmaceutical companies.

“Weber brings a wealth of experience in the development of new drugs, drug delivery, drug-congugates and drug-device products which will enable him to immediately contribute to Angiotech’s ongoing projects as well as future developmental programs,” noted Cindi Roberts, Vice President at Life Science Partner.

Weber will lead strategic and tactical direction to the Chemistry group within global R&D across multiple complex device platforms including novel pharmaceutical agents and local delivery technology as well as novel combination product development involving local delivery of device platforms.

Weber received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Physics from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota.

/0 Comments/by

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.

/0 Comments/by

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Recruits Andrew Penman to Become Vice President, Preclinical Development

Life Science Partner recruits global leader in preclinical development to help accelerate product creation and add pharmaceutical expertise

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Andrew Penman, PhD, formerly president, preclinical development at Aptuit (a spin-out of Quintiles Transnational) to lead Angiotech Pharmaceuticals newly formed division of preclinical development. 

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, Penman will lead the preclinical development team to capitalize upon Angiotech’s considerable intellectual property portfolio to create breakthrough products.

A well-respected manager of preclinical development, Penman was responsible  for a global team of 350 people worldwide and service revenues of $55m generated through contract preclinical services in the Kansas City and UK locations.  The Company was formed by the spin-out of the preclinical group of Quintiles, a company in which he led the DMPK and Bioanalysis group.

“Andy is an excellent manager and preclinical scientist,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice  president of Life Science Partner.  “His experience in the contract-services business of preclinical drug development has honed his business and organizational skills.”

Penman joined Quintiles upon the acquisition of Pharmacia by Pfizer.  Within the pharmaceutical industry, he was director, drug metabolism and biodisposition at the Pfizer Skokie site.  He honed his skills in early drug development as President of  Cephac Europe, a 100-scientist bioanalytic division of Aster-Cephac.  His recruitment to Quintiles in 2003 was a return to the company he joined in 1995 in its Scotland-based bioanalysis group.

Penman earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and his Ph.D. at University of Kent in Canterbury.

/0 Comments/by

Harold W. Ingalls joins CardioMEMS as Chief Financial Officer

Life Science Partner recruits former Vice President, Finance and CFO of Serologicals Corporation who led company through $1.3 B acquisition

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Harold W. (Bud) Ingalls to CardioMEMS, Inc. as the Chief Financial Officer.  CardioMEMS is an early stage medical device company focused on the application of Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to create innovative devices for the diagnosis and management of chronic diseases. 

CardioMEMS is developing and commercializing implantable wireless sensors targeted for the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) markets.

In Ingalls’ previous role as CFO of Serologicals, a public life sciences company, he was instrumental in executing on a strategic high-growth, mergers-oriented business plan and negotiating its $1.3 B acquisition by Millipore.  Earlier,  his general management skills were evident as he was President and CEO of Roche  Industries,  a $500 M international commodity and specialty chemicals manufacturer.

“Bud has a diverse operating and financial background with more than 20 years in the senior leadership role in technology-based companies,” noted Tom Callaway, MD, founder and president of Life Science Partner.  “He knows how to finance a company for accelerated growth, and is a proven public company CFO.”

Ingalls will join the executive management team with the primary responsibility for the continued private and public financing of the Company’s operations, including the expansion of the technology platform and the launch of additional products.  In addition, he will oversee a small team with responsibility for the analysis and review of the company’s financial data, performance, expenditures and costs.

Ingalls received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin.

/0 Comments/by

Mark Johnson to Join Medtronic Emergency Response Systems as Vice President of Operations

Life Science Partner recruits expert in operations and supply-chain management

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Mark Johnson to become vice president of operations for Redwood, Washington-based Medtronic Emergency Response Systems (ERS).  In this role, Johnson will lead a team of 300, including 125 in manufacturing, who are building Medtronic’s lifesaving LIFEPAK defibrillator/monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs).  An innovator in the field, Medtronic ERS is on the forefront of integrating information technology and AED devices to advance the performance and benefits for improved patient survival.

Johnson has considerable experience with supply chain management and the turnaround of manufacturing operations.  He joins Medtronic ERS from Philips Consumer, with responsibility for transitioning Sonicare oral health products from a U.S.-focused organization to a world leader, with a global supply chain system to match its sales ambitions.  Using a data-driven system, Johnson was able to introduce an outsourcing program to reduce costs while increasing diversity in the product lines.

“We have found that consumer goods companies, particularly in electronically-driven appliances, hone operational skill sets not typically found in the medical device industry,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice president, Life Science Partner.  “Mark provides Medtronic with the high-quality, low-cost manufacturing and sourcing leadership that we did not find when we examined prospective candidates from its medical device competitors.”

Previously, Johnson was a leader in the manufacturing contractors Integrex and Flextronics.  As the general manager of the Chatham facility, Johnson eliminated a significant work backlog for a client who was threatening to terminate their contract due to non-performance.  He honed his operational skills at Metawave, a cellular infrastructure company, and Motorola.  By joining Medtronic ERS, Johnson now leads the AED operations team in the world’s leading medical device company.

Johnson received his BS in Mechanical Engineering at University of Washington and is a graduate of their MBA program.

Learn More About Life Science Partner

Click button below to learn more about how we recruit Chief Executives:

Learn More About Chief Executive Functions
/0 Comments/by

Andy Lux to Join Medtronic Sofamor Danek as General Manager, Warsaw Operations

Life Science Partner recruits a general manager and manufacturing operations expert from Baxter Healthcare

Life Science Partner announces the recruitment of Andrew (Andy) Lux to become general manager of operations for the Medtronic Sofamor Danek Warsaw facilities. Medtronic Sofamor Danek is a leading orthopaedic company and the fast growing division of Medtronic, Inc. 

The Company develops and manufactures products that treat a variety of disorders of the cranium and spine with worldwide sales reaching approximately $2 B and growing at  17%.  Lux will lead the 600-employee operation in Warsaw, Indiana, that manufactures spinal implants which are approximately 55% of the products manufactured within the Company.

Lux has considerable experience with the turnaround of manufacturing operations.  He joins Medtronic Sofamor Danek from Baxter Healthcare where he had worldwide responsibilities for the renal and transfusion product lines, including 5,000 employees in seven plants and $750 mm in cost of goods.

“Andy is highly qualified to run a complex manufacturing operation,” noted Cindi Roberts, vice president, Life Science Partner.  “Most importantly, he knows business and will make a great partner with Peter Wehrly as their business continues to grow exponentially.”

To some degree this role is a homecoming for Lux, as he was previously vice president of operations and research and development for Medtronic’s cardiac surgery division.  His general management skills were recognized when he became CEO of Biomec, a pacing leads company.  Earlier, he was vice president and general manager of the x-ray division of Picker International and vice president of operations of Johnson and Johnson’s Advanced Sterilization Products.  Other leadership roles at major corporations include Diasonics, Resonex and GE Medical Systems Business Group.

Lux earned his BS, Metallurgical Engineering at Cleveland State University, and his MS and Doctor of Science at MIT.  He received his MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve.

Learn More About Life Science Partner

Click button below to learn more about how we recruit Chief Executives:

Learn More About Chief Executive Functions
/0 Comments/by