Zucara Therapeutics Inc., a life sciences company developing the first once-daily therapeutic to prevent hypoglycemia in people with Type 1 diabetes and other types of insulin-dependent diabetes, is pleased to announce that Susan Peers, PhD, has joined the organization as Director of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs.
Dr. Peers is a life sciences executive with drug development expertise developed over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry including 20 years in regulatory affairs. Most recently she was Director, Regulatory Affairs at Transition Therapeutics ULC, a subsidiary of OPKO Health, Inc. in Toronto, ON. In her previous position in OPKO Renal (formerly Cytochroma Inc.) she was responsible for regulatory function concerning drug development, including development and submission strategy, and NDA planning and preparation. Prior to Cytochroma, Susan had progressive roles within NPS Pharmaceutics/NPS Allelix where she was the regulatory affairs representative on project team for recombinant product in Phase 3 (CDER, gastrointestinal, two indications).
The appointment of Dr. Peers is timely as Zucara’s lead drug candidate “ZT-01” is moving towards Phase 1 clinical trials later this year after demonstrating efficacy and safety validated in multiple preclinical models of hypoglycemia. The company is now defining the clinical trial plan for Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies. Dr. Peers will join the Zucara team based at its location within JLABS @ Toronto – a life science innovation centre that provides a flexible environment for start-up companies pursuing new technologies and research platforms to advance medical care.
“Zucara is very fortunate to have recruited Dr. Peers as she brings critical clinical and regulatory expertise to the team,” said Michael Midmer, Chief Executive Officer for Zucara. “As we move forward towards the clinic, Susan will play a critical role in defining the regulatory pathway for clinical development and will support the company as it advances its therapeutic towards commercialization.”
Zucara Therapeutics is developing the first once-daily therapeutic to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with diabetes. This pre-clinical technology is directed at regulating a hormone in the pancreas called somatostatin which in Type 1 diabetes is not properly controlled. The lead drug candidate has demonstrated potential to specifically block somatostatin type 2 receptors in the pancreas thereby preventing hypoglycemia and restoring natural glucose levels in the blood. Zucara’s method offers a clear advantage to patients as a preventative measure whereas current drug therapies can only rescue a patient already experiencing potentially dangerous low blood sugar.
Dr. Peers has a PhD (Pharmacology) and a BSc (Pharmacology, First Class Honours) from the University of London, King’s College, UK.
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About Zucara Therapeutics Inc.
Zucara is developing the first drug therapy to prevent hypoglycemia in people with diabetes. The Company’s first-in-class therapeutic is aimed at inhibiting a hormone in the pancreas called somatostatin, which does not function properly in diabetes. Preventing hypoglycemia will dramatically change diabetes disease management, improving both patient health and quality of life. Zucara Therapeutics is a spin-off of CDRD and MaRS Innovation based on technology that originated at the University of Toronto. www.zucara.ca
For additional information, please contact:
Julia White
Senior Manager, Communications
Email: media@zucara.ca
Direct: 604.827.1226