Laboratoris Sanifit, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for calcification disorders, has hired Dr Preston Klassen as its Chief Medical Officer.
The Palma de Mallorca-based firm has also announced a new US subsidiary, based in San Diego, CA.
Dr Klassen brings nearly 14 years of industry experience to Sanifit and five years prior to this in nephrology as a faculty member at Duke University.
In addition to his CMO role within the company, Dr Klassen will become President of the US subsidiary. His primary responsibilities will include leading the clinical development of SNF472 and enhancing the company’s growing presence in the US.
Dr Klassen added: 'I am excited to join the highly experienced team at Sanifit, and to assume responsibility for leading the development of its primary asset, SN472, in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases linked to calcification, including patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis, for which there are currently no approved drugs, and the orphan drug programme for calciphylaxis.'
Most recently Dr Klassen was Executive Vice President, Head of Global Development at Orexigen Therapeutics. Previously, he held several positions of increasing responsibility at Amgen, including Therapeutic Area Head for Nephrology.
Prior to joining Amgen, Dr Klassen was a faculty member in the Division of Nephrology at Duke University Medical Centre from 1997 to 2002.
