ARCA biopharma, Inc. (Nasdaq:ABIO), a biopharmaceutical company
developing genetically-targeted therapies for cardiovascular diseases,
today announced that it has expanded the Company’s clinical trial
leadership team with three new hires in clinical development and quality
assurance: vice president – clinical development, senior director
quality, and senior clinical program manager.
These new hires will join existing ARCA employees in overseeing the
execution of GENETIC-AF, the Company’s Phase 2B/3 clinical trial
evaluating Gencaro as a potential treatment for atrial fibrillation.
“We are very pleased to have these industry professionals, who
collectively have over 45 years of clinical development and QA
experience, join ARCA as key members of our team,” said Dr. Michael R.
Bristow, President and CEO. “Their understanding of the drug development
process and clinical trial execution will be a tremendous asset as ARCA
continues the development of Gencaro as a potential treatment for atrial
fibrillation.”
Christopher Dufton, PhD, Vice President, Clinical Development, was
previously Director of Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences. Prior to
Gilead, Dr. Dufton was Associate Director of Clinical Development at
Myogen, Inc., where he was a member of the development team responsible
for the clinical program that led to the approval of Letairis®
(ambrisentan) for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
(PAH). Letairis is now approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment
of PAH.
Sharon Perry, Senior Director Quality, was previously Director of
Quality Assurance (QA) at Accera Pharma. Ms. Perry also brings
additional relevant QA experience from her prior work at Gilead
Sciences, PR Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer.
Jennifer Merriweather, Senior Clinical Program Manager was previously
Clinical Program Manager at Gilead Sciences. Ms. Merriweather also
brings additional relevant clinical development experience from her work
with Myogen, Inc.
About ARCA biopharma
ARCA biopharma is dedicated to developing genetically-targeted therapies
for cardiovascular diseases. The Company's lead product candidate,
GencaroTM (bucindolol hydrochloride), is an investigational,
pharmacologically unique beta-blocker and mild vasodilator being
developed for atrial fibrillation. ARCA has identified common genetic
variations that it believes predict individual patient response to
Gencaro, giving it the potential to be the first genetically-targeted
atrial fibrillation prevention treatment. ARCA has partnered with
Medtronic, Inc. for the Phase 2B portion of the GENETIC-AF trial. For
more information please visit www.arcabiopharma.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for purposes of
the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding execution of the upcoming GENETIC-AF trial, the potential for
genetic variations to predict individual patient response to Gencaro,
Gencaro’s potential to treat atrial fibrillation, future treatment
options for patients with atrial fibrillation, and the potential for
Gencaro to be the first genetically-targeted atrial fibrillation
prevention treatment. Such statements are based on management's current
expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and
performance could differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including,
without limitation, the risks and uncertainties associated with: the
Company's financial resources and whether they will be sufficient to
meet the Company's business objectives and operational requirements;
results of earlier clinical trials may not be confirmed in future
trials, the protection and market exclusivity provided by the Company’s
intellectual property; risks related to the drug discovery and the
regulatory approval process; and, the impact of competitive products and
technological changes. These and other factors are identified and
described in more detail in ARCA’s filings with the SEC, including
without limitation the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2012, and subsequent filings. The Company disclaims
any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Copyright Business Wire 2013