pSivida (ASX:PVA) has named Dr Dario Paggiarino to the newly-created position of vice president, chief medical officer.
Dr Paggiarino brings more than 25 years' experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the role.
The company said his addition strengthens its clinical development program, following the consolidation of all of its research and development in the US.
"We are delighted to welcome Dario Paggiarino as our chief medical officer," said Dr Paul Ashton, President and CEO. "His extensive expertise in global drug development programs focused on retinal disease will be a great asset to us in driving forward our research and development program."
Dr Paggiarino joined pSivida from Lpath, a leader in lipid-targeted therapeutics, where he served as senior vice president and chief development officer. Prior to joining Lpath, he was vice president and therapeutic unit head for retina diseases at Alcon Laboratories, a division of Novartis, where he was responsible for advancing its retina pharmaceutical development pipeline through regulatory approvals worldwide.
Dr Paggiarino previously served as executive director of clinical development and medical affairs at Pfizer Global R&D, with focus on global clinical development in glaucoma, diabetic and degenerative retinal diseases and medical responsibilities for Macugen, the first anti-VEGF treatment approved for age-related macular degeneration. Earlier in his career he held research and development positions at Angelini Pharmaceuticals, a private company, where he advanced to president of the firm, and Pharmacia Global R&D, where he was clinical program director of ophthalmology with responsibilities including Xalatan, one of the leading glaucoma therapies in the world.