Shield Therapeutics PLC (AIM:STX, OTCQX:SHIEF), the developer of a breakthrough oral drug for iron deficiency, has announced the appointment of industry veteran Andy Hurley as its chief commercial officer, effective April 10.
Hurley brings over 30 years of commercial leadership experience in both large and small biopharmaceutical companies.
In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing Shield's commercial organisation, including US sales, marketing, operations, managed markets and patient services.
Hurley's extensive background includes a recent stint as chief commercial and medical/clinical officer at Agenus Inc (NASDAQ:AGEN), where he led commercial, medical affairs and clinical operations functions.
Previously, he served as senior vice president of a commercial division at Syneos Health, as chief commercial officer at Ocular Therapeutix (NASDAQ:OCUL), and held senior leadership roles at Sunovion, Dyax, NitroMed and Forest Pharmaceuticals.
In addition to Hurley's appointment, Shield announced continued progress on its US salesforce expansion to properly exploit the commercial potential of its main product, Accrufer, for iron deficiency.
The company aims to have a field sales team of 100 professionals, with 50 from Shield and 50 from Viatris, alongside 12 regional sales managers (six from each company) hired and trained by 1 May 2023.
Shield chief executive Greg Madison said: "We are excited to have Andy as our new chief commercial officer with his proven track record of delivering successful product launches and an exceptionally strong set of commercial skills and experience.
"I have no doubt he will make a tremendous impact as we advance our commercial efforts in the US and expand the international growth of Accrufer.
"Initiation of the collaborative US sales agreement with Viatris has set Accrufer up for a strong 2023 growth in prescriptions and product sales.
"With the recruitment of our team of dedicated sales professionals well underway, we are pleased to be on track to achieve our salesforce expansion goals by 1 May 2023. Andy's appointment further strengthens our commitment to making a commercial success of Accrufer."