Full Press Release Details
CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 1, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq:FOLD), a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing therapies for rare diseases, today announced an addition and changes to its management team. Robert E. Winkler, MD will be joining the Company as Vice President, Clinical Research and Operations, effective September 6, 2011. In addition, S. Nicole Schaeffer will be taking on increased responsibility in her new role as Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Resources; and as previously announced Matthew R. Patterson, President, has departed to pursue other opportunities.
Dr. Winkler has extensive global experience in clinical, medical and regulatory affairs, including the successful development and execution of clinical programs from Phases 1 through 4. Previously, Dr. Winkler spent five years at Novartis Oncology USA, a division of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, and most recently served as Senior Global Clinical Leader for the NeuroEndocrine Tumors Global Submission Team. Prior to Novartis, Dr. Winkler served as Global Medical Director, Hepatology at Schering-Plough Corporation. Dr. Winker received his MD from the Hadassah Medical School at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. He will report directly to Pol F. Boudes, MD, Chief Medical Officer.
Ms. Schaeffer has overseen human resources and leadership development at Amicus since March, 2005. Her expanded role as Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Resources, reflects the broadening scope of her responsibilities within these departments, as well as her leadership of facilities and information technology operations. Prior to joining Amicus, Ms. Schaeffer spent over 10 years building talent at early stage biotechnology companies. She previously worked at Flagship Ventures helping to start several high-tech/biotech companies including Adnexus Therapeutics, Epitome Biosystems and BG Medicine.
John F. Crowley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amicus Therapeutics said, "On behalf of Amicus and our board of directors, I would like to welcome Robert to the Company and congratulate Nicole on her success at Amicus. The addition of Robert to our team and Nicole's expanded role reflect the operational strength of Amicus as we further develop and expand our technology platform, and continue to support global development activities for our expanding portfolio."
Mr. Patterson joined Amicus in December 2004 as Chief Business Officer and became Chief Operating Officer in September 2006. He was appointed President in February 2011 in recognition of his significant contributions to the Company's success, and served as Acting Chief Executive Officer from April through August 2011. Prior to Amicus, Mr. Patterson served in positions of increasing responsibility at biopharmaceutical companies focused on rare disease drug research, development, and commercialization, including BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. and Genzyme Corporation.
Mr. Patterson said, "Amicus has become a global leader in the development of new treatments for rare diseases as a result of innovative science and the dedication of many passionate, talented people. As one of the Company's initial employees, I am proud of what has been accomplished to date and I am very confident in the potential for future success at Amicus."
"Matt has been a great leader at Amicus since he joined in 2004, and the legacy he has left here will positively impact the lives of many people for years to come," added Mr. Crowley. "I'm particularly thankful for his tremendous work, leadership and passion in a variety of key management roles at Amicus, including as Acting CEO during my absence this year. Matt has demonstrated a range of management skills and leadership abilities, and further solidified our shared vision for the Company. Matt has proven his ability to lead an organization at a pivotal stage of development, and I am confident that he is headed towards further great success in this industry."
About Amicus Therapeutics
Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq:FOLD) is a biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of developing therapies for rare diseases. The Company is developing orally-administered, small molecule drugs called pharmacological chaperones, a novel, first-in-class approach to treating a broad range of diseases including lysosomal storage disorders and diseases of neurodegeneration. Amicus' lead program Amigal (migalastat HCl) is in Phase 3 for the treatment of Fabry disease.