Circassia Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Jonathan Emms as Chief Operating Officer and as an Executive Director of the Board of Directors. Emms previously served in a number of executive roles at Pfizer, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer, Internal Medicine.
The company also said that Senior VP of R&D Rod Hafner will leave the board, “reflecting the Company’s commercial focus now the approval process for Duaklir and Tudorza’s sNDA are complete.” Circassia announced that FDA had approved Duaklir Pressair aclidinium bromide/formoterol fumarate DPI for the treatment of COPD in April 2019. An sNDA for Tudorza Pressair aclidinium bromide DPI was also approved in March 2019. Circassia licensed rights to Duaklir and Tudorza from AstraZeneca in 2017.
Emms’ roles at Pfizer included Global Marketing Head for Global Established Pharmaceutical Business and European Head of Marketing for Specialty Business Unit, and UK Country Manager. His respiratory drug experience includes overseeing the UK launch of Spiriva and, in a previous role at GSK, the UK launch of Serevent for COPD.
Circassia CEO Steve Harris commented, “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to Circassia. With his impressive track record building and leading successful commercial operations around the world, including for many years in the United States, he will make a valuable contribution to the company as we continue our drive for growth. With our preparations well advanced for the forthcoming US launch of Duaklir, the ongoing establishment of our new Chinese sales team in the marketplace and our growing commercial presence in Europe, we look forward to Jonathan leading our commercial strategy. At the same time, we thank Rod for his major contribution to the Company, managing Circassia’s input into the successful Duaklir NDA and Tudorza sNDA and leading our R&D activities over many years. Following our recent transition into a commercially-focused business, we are delighted that Rod will continue as a member of Circassia’s Senior Management Team, leading our business development, supply chain, medical affairs, regulatory and quality activities.”
Emms said: “I am thrilled to join Circassia at this exciting time of transition and growth for the company. I am impressed with the team’s ambition and clear drive to build a highly successful specialty pharmaceutical business, and am certain that with my international commercial experience and knowledge of the respiratory market I can make a significant contribution helping Circassia achieve its goal. With a strong commercial platform, imminent launch of its next product in the US and ambition to further grow its portfolio, I am confident Circassia is well positioned for long-term success.”
Read the Circassia Pharmaceuticals press release.
