PTC Names Clinical and Translational Ops SVP

Tuyen Ong, M.D., MRCOphth, has been named senior vice president, head of Clinical Development and Translational Research at PTC Therapeutics. Dr. Ong will be responsible for clinical development and operations across all therapeutic areas including genetic disorders, oncology and anti-infectives.
 
PTC has ongoing Phase III trials underway for Translarna in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, and a proof-of-concept study is currently in preparation for Mucopolysaccharidosis or MPS 1. The company also plans to initiate a Phase I trial of PTC596, an oral potent and selective inhibitor of BMI1, which targets cancer stem cells that lead to cancer recurrence.
 
Prior to joining the company, Dr. Ong served as vice president of Global Clinical Development and Operations at Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Previously, Dr. Ong worked at Pfizer developing drugs for diseases with high unmet medical need in various disease areas including respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatology, and ophthalmology.
 
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ong to lead our clinical team,” stated Dr. Robert Spiegel, Chief Medical Officer of PTC Therapeutics. “This is an exciting time as we continue to expand our clinical pipeline. Dr. Ong’s experience and leadership will be essential in the continued clinical development of Translarna as well as our programs in neuromuscular diseases, oncology, and anti-infective agents.”