Harrow Appoints Amir H. Shojaei as Chief Scientific Officer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Harrow (NASDAQ: HROW), a prominent North American eyecare pharmaceutical company, has recently appointed Dr. Amir H. Shojaei, PharmD, PhD, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). With an impressive background encompassing 28 years within the life sciences sector, Dr. Shojaei excels in clinical development and regulatory affairs and has contributed significantly to the commercialization of biopharmaceutical and biological products. His experience includes notable innovations in both anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic indications, marking him as a key player in the field.
Career Highlights of Dr. Shojaei
Most recently, Dr. Shojaei held the title of CSO and Executive Vice President of Clinical Development at AsclepiX Therapeutics. Here, he pioneered advancements in innovative therapies aimed at treating neovascular retinal disorders. Before this, he took on senior executive roles across several major pharmaceutical companies, including a stint as CEO at TherOptix Corporation where he developed a revolutionary drug-eluting contact lens platform. His varied experience extends to leadership positions at Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Shire Pharmaceuticals, which was later acquired by Takeda.
Dr. Shojaei was pivotal in the clinical development and FDA approval of Xiidra®, a groundbreaking treatment for dry eye disease (DED) while at Shire Pharmaceuticals. This landmark achievement transformed the treatment landscape for DED and solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking leader in ophthalmic health, helping pave the way for next-generation products like VEVYE, which Harrow launched last year.
Harrow's Vision and Future
Mark L. Baum, the Chief Executive Officer of Harrow, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Dr. Shojaei. Baum stated, "We are delighted to have Dr. Shojaei on board. His remarkable scientific understanding and regulatory proficiency align perfectly with our mission to expand access to effective eyecare solutions. We are confident that under his visionary leadership, Harrow will continue to explore new frontiers in the field of eyecare and enhance the gift of sight for many."
Contributions to Harrow
Dr. Shojaei will be succeeding Dennis E. Saadeh, PharmD, who is retiring after nearly a decade of dedicated service to Harrow, including his recent role as CSO, focusing on innovation and sustainability in ophthalmic treatments. Baum took a moment to acknowledge Saadeh’s invaluable contributions throughout his tenure, referring to him as a champion who significantly influenced the growth of Harrow’s product lines that have become essential for eyecare professionals and millions of patients across the nation.
“Since joining Harrow in 2015, Dennis has been an exemplary partner and a foundation for our achievements. His efforts, especially in developing the leading compounded products, have made a crucial impact on patient care,” Baum continued, underscoring Saadeh’s creative vision and hard work as pivotal to establishing Harrow’s presence in the ophthalmic community. He noted that although Saadeh will continue to provide consulting services to Harrow, he will now have more time for his family and other pursuits.
About Harrow
Harrow, Inc. (NASDAQ: HROW) is a cutting-edge eyecare pharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing, and commercializing innovative ophthalmic products specifically for the North American market. The organization plays a crucial role in preserving the gift of sight by ensuring its extensive portfolio of prescription and non-prescription pharmaceutical products remains accessible and affordable for countless patients every year. For additional details about Harrow, you can visit their official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the new Chief Scientific Officer of Harrow?
The new Chief Scientific Officer is Dr. Amir H. Shojaei, PharmD, PhD, who brings extensive experience in the life sciences field.
2. What experience does Dr. Shojaei have?
Dr. Shojaei has over 28 years of experience, including roles in clinical development and significant contributions to ophthalmic products.
3. What are some of Dr. Shojaei's notable accomplishments?
He was instrumental in the development and FDA approval of Xiidra® and has worked on innovative therapies for retinal disorders.
4. Who did Dr. Shojaei replace as CSO at Harrow?
Dr. Shojaei succeeds Dennis E. Saadeh, PharmD, who is retiring after nearly ten years with the company.
5. What is Harrow’s mission?
Harrow aims to make eyecare solutions accessible and affordable while continuing to innovate in pharmaceutical products for vision health.
