DURHAM, N.C., June 13, 2016 — Premier Research is expanding its international organization of experts in rare disease amid continued growth in the field — especially in rare oncology, which has surpassed one-third of the company’s rare disease work.
“Development of novel compounds for treatment of unmet medical needs historically has been overlooked by big pharma, so many illnesses still aren’t well understood,” said Dr. King Jolly, Senior Vice President for Strategic Development. “Regulatory changes are stimulating interest in rare disease and oncology work from first-in-man through all phases of clinical development planning and execution, and we’re adding strategic expertise and capabilities to better serve the small biotechs that are driving this research.”
Recently joining Premier Research’s team of oncology, rare disease, and rare oncology are Juliet Moritz, Dr. Paul Hallenbeck, and Luke Gill.
Juliet Moritz, Executive Director for Rare Disease and General Medicine, has worked in clinical research for more than 25 years. Her background covers the spectrum from single-site studies to large, multinational trials, and her rare disease expertise supports development of products that address unmet medical needs. Moritz previously worked in project management at PPD, where she was responsible for infectious and respiratory disease research.
Dr. Paul Hallenbeck joined Premier Research as Executive Director for Oncology Strategic Development after working at several biopharmaceutical companies, from start-ups to large pharma. He has focused on discovery and development of novel compounds for treatment of cancer, including many orphan drugs. He most recently was chief scientific officer at a small international biopharmaceutical company, leading a team responsible for developing early-stage small molecule compounds.
Luke Gill brings more than 20 years of drug development experience to his new role of Executive Director for Oncology Strategic Development. He has led numerous global CRO management teams and provided strategic assessment, management, and oversight of study enrollment and program metrics. Prior to joining Premier Research, he was director of global project management for hematology and oncology at PPD.
About Premier Research
Premier Research is a leading clinical development service provider that helps highly innovative biotech and specialty pharma companies transform breakthrough ideas into reality. The company has a wealth of experience in the execution of global, regional and local clinical development programs with a special focus on addressing unmet needs in areas such as analgesia, CNS, oncology, pediatric and rare disease. Premier Research operates in 84 countries and employs 1,000 professionals, including a strong international network of clinical monitors and project managers, regulatory, data management, statistical, scientific, and medical experts. They are focused on smart study design for advanced medicines that allow life-changing treatments.