Circadian Technologies appoints Dr Ian Leitch to clinical trials management team

Australian drug developer Circadian Technologies (ASX:CIR, OTCQX:CKDXY) has added depth to its clinical development team, appointing Dr Ian Leitch to the newly created position of director – Clinical Research.

With Circadian moving into the clinical development phase of its development in oncology and eye disease, Leitch will initially be based in the USA and will relocate to Australia in early 2012 with Circadian.

For the past 5 years he has been within the Medical Sciences group at Amgen Inc (Nasdaq: AMGN) in Thousand Oaks California, involved in the development of novel therapeutics in Amgen’s oncology pipeline.

In his role as Senior Manager in the Early Development Oncology Therapeutic Area he had responsibility for the oversight, design, management and execution of Phase 1-2 clinical studies in oncology.

Circadian’s chief executive office, Robert Klupacs said “As we move into the clinical development phase of our development in oncology and eye disease it is critical that we have the best people managing this activity.

"We are extremely fortunate to be able to recruit someone of Ian’s experience and expertise to this key role. It is also extremely gratifying that we have been able to convince an expat Australian to return home. We believe this is a great endorsement for Circadian, our technology as well as the continuing growth and international recognition of the Australian biotechnology industry.”

Dr Leitch said “I am very excited to be returning to Australia and joining Circadian at such an important time in its evolution into a clinical stage drug development company. I believe its technology has enormous potential and that its management, advisory team and Board are world class. It is a great opportunity for me to come back to Australia and be part of the ongoing development of the Australian biotechnology industry.”

Originally published at: http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/19498/circadian-technologies-appoints-dr-ian-leitch-to-clinical-trials-management-team-19498.html