PPD Adds Drug Development Experts

PPD has expanded its global product development department with the appointment of three new therapeutic area heads: Daniel J. Burch, M.D., M.B.A., central nervous system; Puneet Mohan, M.D., M.B.B.S., Ph.D., cardiovascular / metabolism; and Alan M. Solinger, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.R., rheumatology / immunology. Each therapeutic head brings extensive product development and commercialization experience and will help clients plan and address drug development challenges.
 
Dr. Burch is a pharmaceutical and biotech R&D executive with 20 years of experience in general management, global drug development, global medical affairs and business development across multiple therapeutic areas and functions. He joins the company from CeNeRx BioPharma, where he most recently served as executive vice president of R&D and chief medical officer, managing an R&D portfolio covering neurology, psychiatry, ophthalmology, oncology and other therapeutic areas. Dr. Burch also served as senior vice president and head of GlaxoSmithKline’s neurosciences medicine development center.
 
Dr. Mohan joins the company from Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he most recently served as executive director of global clinical development and global clinical leader for apixaban. In that role, he provided leadership for the clinical development strategy and the implementation of the apixaban clinical trial program from Phase II and III studies leading to NDA filing and subsequent regulatory approval. Prior to that position, he was with Bayer Corp.
 
Dr. Solinger has 30 years of experience with extensive directorial and clinical experience in the critical phases of product development, regulatory negotiations, marketing approval and line extension. He joins the company from XOMA, where he served as vice president of clinical immunology.
 
“In today’s environment, we are partnering with clients on complex drug development strategy and providing medical and scientific expertise that extends beyond traditional clinical trial implementation,” said Rob Dow, global head of medical affairs for PPD. “These experts have held senior leadership roles in top biopharma companies, and their expertise will bring added strategic value to our clients. I am pleased to welcome them to our team.”