DPI developer Respira Therapeutics has hired inhalation drug development pioneer Andy Clark as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. Clark most recently served as Site Head and CTO at the Novartis pulmonary development facility in San Carlos, CA. He previously served as CTO at Nektar/Inhale and held positions at Genentech and Fisons.
Clark, a past president of the International Society of Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM), has been recognized with ISAM’s Young Investigator Award (1993), the American Association of Aerosol Research/ISAM Thomas T. Mercer Award (2005), and, RDD’s Charles G. Thiel Award (2012). Development projects he has been involved with include Tobi Podhaler, Exhubera, and Pulmozyme.
Respira CEO Bob Curtis said, “We are pleased that Andy has chosen to join Respira to lead our product development efforts. Andy has an exceptionally strong background in the inhaled pharmaceutical industry that combines very relevant experience with an extensive network, both of which will enhance Respira’s future success. His critical insights into the inhaled drug development process, market, and industry will greatly benefit Respira.”
Clark commented, “What drives my enthusiasm for Respira is not only the patent protected AOS-DPI technology, with its capability for highly efficient lung delivery using standard lactose blends, but also the product pipeline and the great team of people. Respira’s inhaled product pipeline to treat pulmonary hypertension is already risk reduced, with multiple studies supporting its feasibility. We expect to obtain additional human proof of concept data in the very near future and I look forward to working with Respira’s team and board to advance these products and Respira’s technology to market.”
Cottonwood Technology Fund Managing Director David Blivin said, “We and Sun Mountain Capital are honored to have someone of Andy’s experience and track record join Respira. It confirms our investment thesis and adds additional validation of the potential impact for our AOS-DPI technology and for our RT234 inhaled product pipeline for treating pulmonary hypertension.”
Read the Respira press release.
