Pharming Group of the Netherlands has hired Perry Calias as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO).
Calias will have overall responsibility for the company’s new Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) programmes, achieving the scientific milestones set in the business plan, enhancing the IP portfolio, overseeing new product development and contributing to the company's direction.
Through Pharming’s acquisition of Transgenic Rabbit Models SASU (TRM), a private French firm, in August 2014, the company is expanding its validated platform for the production of recombinant human proteins.
To take advantage of the available ERT development networks and expertise, Pharming plans to open a small R&D office in Boston, MA, US. Calias will be based there and will split his time between Boston, Paris and Leiden.
Calias is a specialist in developing targeted therapies. As Senior Director for Shire within the Human Genetic Therapeutics division, he championed the investigational effort for the intrathecal administration of recombinant enzymes for the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases.
He has also held various R&D positions at BBB Technologies, EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Draper Laboratories and Genzyme.
