Radiopharm Theranostics makes new appointment to medical and corporate affairs team
Radiopharmaceutical product developer Radiopharm Theranostics (ASX: RAD) has appointed industry executive Dr Sherin Al-Safadi to the position of vice president for medical and corporate affairs.
Dr Al-Safadi has many years experience in pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies.
Most recently, she held the role of vice president (medical affairs) at US-based Point Biopharma, where she assembled a medical affairs division and led the strategic and tactical planning for Phase III support and launch preparation of radiopharmaceuticals.
The role also provided strategic input and leadership for business development and licensing opportunities.
Current role
Dr Al-Safadi currently serves as co-founder and president at Foundation Amal (Canada-US), overseeing an executive leadership team of 12 directors and members.
During her time there, she has led a cross-border expansion into the US in 2021 and spearheaded the development of a new branding and communication strategy.
She has also held leadership roles with multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies including Bayer, where she served as director of global medical affairs oncology responsible for franchise-specific strategic guidance and the transition to hybrid digital engagement.
Dr Al-Safadi holds a doctorate in neurobiology from Concordia University in Quebec; a masters of business administration degree in entrepreneurship and management from John Molson School of Business (Montreal); and a master of sciences degree in pharmacology (oncology drug development) from McGill University (Montreal).
Welcome to the team
Radiopharm managing director and chief executive officer Riccardo Canevari welcomed Dr Al-Safadi to the company.
“We are thrilled to have Sherin join our team… her expertise and leadership skills will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our pipeline of radiopharmaceutical products,” he said.
“In particular, with F18-pivalate (RAD 101) entering late-stage development, our medical affairs function becomes a critical success factor.”
Imaging agent
RAD 101 is a proprietary imaging agent composed of F18 radioisotope and pivalate, which is a small molecule targeting fatty acid synthetase.
In October, positive data from the Imperial College of London’s Phase IIa imaging trial of RAD 101 in patients with brain metastases showed significant tumour uptake consistent with and independent from the tumour of origin.
The findings supported the potential use of pivalate to monitor cerebral metastasis.
In May, Radiopharm announced it had completed a positive pre-investigational new drug (IND) meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for F18-pivalate (RAD 101).
Based on positive guidance received, the company will file an IND application to initiate a multi-centre trial for imaging brain metastasis later this year.
It anticipates having the first patient dosed by year end.