TORONTO, Canada: 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 appoint Dr. Claude Piché as the Chair of its Board of Directors, replacing Luc Mainville, who has retired from the Board. Additionally, Michael R. Martin and Andrew Hull will join the Zucara team as new Directors.
As Co-Founder, President and CEO of Locemia Solutions, Dr. Piché led the company from start up through to completion of Phase III clinical studies, ultimately resulting in the sale of its nasal glucagon hypoglycemia rescue product to Eli Lilly in October, 2015. With more than 25 years of experience in developing and commercializing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and diagnostics, he has worked at multi-national companies such as Merck, as well as start-up biopharmaceutical companies where he had roles in research, regulatory affairs, marketing, and operations.
“I am honoured to be named the Chair of the Board of Directors of Zucara Therapeutics. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Zucara’s leadership team and Board, as well as the broader diabetes community, in our efforts the reduce the burden of hypoglycemia for insulin-users worldwide,” said Dr. Claude Piché.
Michael R. Martin is the current Chief Operating Officer of Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc., and has over 23 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Michael co-founded Aurinia taking it from a small privately held company in 2013 to a publicly listed company worth nearly half a billion dollars. Having held various previous senior commercial positions with extensive experience executing complex business transactions as well as raising capital, Michael was also a key member of the business development team that saw Aspreva sold to Galenica for $915M.
Andrew Hull is an accomplished national and global executive with more than 30 years experience in various commercial and business development roles with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He most recently served as Head of Global Alliances for Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Andrew has a track record of leading marketing and development projects, growing organizations’ scale, and developing global strategic partnerships.
Michael Midmer, Chief Executive Officer of Zucara said, “We are pleased that Dr. Piché will continue to bring his thoughtful voice and in-depth drug development experiences as the Chair of our Board of Directors. Our Board has become stronger with the additional appointments of Michael Martin and Andrew Hull. Individually, they all have tremendous business development and leadership experience within the life sciences industry which will be invaluable for Zucara. I would also like to thank Luc Mainville for his dedicated service and wise counsel as Board Chair.”
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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