HORSHAM, Pa., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Topaz
Pharmaceuticals Inc., a privately held specialty pharmaceutical
company, today announced that Bob Radie has been appointed
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Thomas Beck,
M.D., who was serving as interim Chief Executive Officer, will
resume his role as Chief Medical Officer of the company.
Topaz Pharmaceuticals’ lead product, ivermectin topical cream,
is concluding Phase 3 clinical trials to support a new drug
application for the treatment of head lice.
“Bob’s appointment follows a comprehensive selection process by
the Board of Directors to identify the best leader to take Topaz
Pharmaceuticals forward and maximize the value of its lead product,
a novel formulation of ivermectin,” said Robert D. Casale,
non-executive Chairman of the Board. “Bob’s combination of
business development experience as well as his expertise in
successfully introducing new medicines into the commercial market
is a great fit for Topaz as we prepare to report Phase 3 data on
ivermectin topical cream for the treatment of head lice.
Bob’s extensive pharmaceutical experience should prove highly
beneficial to Topaz as the company continues to advance this novel
product through the drug approval process.”
Mr. Radie has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industries. Most recently, he served as
President and CEO of TransMolecular, Inc., a biotechnology company
developing novel cancer diagnostic and treatment products. He
previously served as Chief Business Officer at Prestwick
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Morphotek. He played leading roles
in the acquisition of Prestwick by Biovail Corp. in 2008 and
Morphotek by Eisai, Inc. in 2007. He has also served as
senior vice president of strategic projects and planning at Vicuron
Pharmaceuticals (acquired in 2005 by Pfizer). Before joining
Vicuron, Mr. Radie worked for Eli Lilly and Company,
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