POZEN has announced that James P. Tursi, M.D. will be appointed Chief Medical Officer of POZEN, effective October 1, 2015. Dr. Tursi will report to Adrian Adams, Chief Executive Officer of POZEN, and will be responsible for the oversight of the clinical operations, drug safety, medical and regulatory affairs functions. Dr. Tursi will also become Chief Medical Officer of Aralez Pharmaceuticals upon the anticipated business combination among Aralez, POZEN and Tribute Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. He will play a critical role in the planned preparation of the re-submission of the YOSPRALA™ New Drug Application (NDA) in the United States, the Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for YOSPRALA in Europe and the New Drug Submissions (NDS) for YOSPRALA and MT400 to Health Canada. Dr. Tursi will also serve on the executive leadership team. Dr. John G. Fort will serve as Chief Scientific Advisor until the middle of next year.
”James brings significant depth and expertise managing clinical development programs and medical affairs to POZEN, and will be a valuable member of the leadership team,” said Adrian Adams, Chief Executive Officer of POZEN. “His extensive background and track record in clinical development, regulatory and medical affairs will be invaluable as we advance the YOSPRALA and MT400 regulatory submissions. We welcome James to the team and look forward to his contributions as part of Aralez’s transformational strategy to accelerate growth and to drive shareholder value.