Zevra Therapeutics Inc announced that Neil McFarlane has been hired as president and CEO and appointed to the board of directors.
McFarlane succeeds Christal Mickle who has been serving as interim CEO and president since June. She will continue serving in her role as chief development officer.
McFarlane joins Zevra with over 25 years of global biopharmaceutical and life sciences experience delivering value to patients with serious illnesses. He most recently served as the CEO and a member of the board of directors of Adamas Pharmaceuticals Inc until November 2021, when Adamas was acquired by Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Prior to Adamas, McFarlane held positions of increasing responsibility with Retrophin Inc (now Travere Therapeutics Inc), UCB Inc, Genzyme Corporation (now Sanofi), and Sangstat Medical Corporation (acquired by Genzyme). He currently serves on the board of directors for Collegium Pharmaceutical Inc.
“His successful track record of leading innovative companies through periods of strategic change, and enhancing value to patients, employees, and shareholders will be of tremendous importance to Zevra as we deliver much-needed therapies to the rare disease community,” says Tamara (Seymour) Favorito, board chair, in a release. “We have great confidence in his ability to shepherd our company through the next phase of our journey.”
McFarlane also previously served as an officer and enlisted soldier in the United States Army Reserves. He received his BS and MS in nursing from the University of Florida.
“I am honored to lead an organization that plays such a crucial role in patients’ lives. I admire how the team at Zevra has advanced products to market, developed a meaningful pipeline, and continues to execute their business development strategy. I look forward to joining this talented team of professionals who are poised to accelerate our mission to deliver new therapies to the rare disease community,” says McFarlane in a release.
Concurrently, Zebra announced the effectiveness of Joseph Saluri’s previously announced retirement from the board of directors.
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