Sanifit appoints medical officer and announces new US subsidiary

Laboratoris Sanifit has appointed Dr Preston S. Klassen, MD, MHS as its chief medical officer and announced the launch of its US Subsidiary, based in San Diego, USA.

Dr Klassen will serve as president of the US subsidiary and his primary responsibilities will include leading the clinical development of SNF472 and enhancing the company’s growing presence in the US. He is the first of the new hires planned by Sanifit as the company establishes its US office based in San Diego. 

Joan Perelló, CEO of Sanifit said: “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Preston’s experience join our leadership team. His first class operational and clinical development expertise in nephrology and cardiometabolic drug development, coupled with his leadership experience, will be invaluable in taking our lead product through to regulatory approval.

Furthermore, we are very pleased to announce the opening of our US subsidiary, Sanifit.  The appointment of Preston and the opening of our new office in San Diego provide a robust platform for Sanifit’s growth strategy as we expand into the US.”

Dr Klassen added: “I am excited to join the highly experienced team at Sanifit, and to assume responsibility for leading the development of its primary asset, SN472, in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases linked to calcification, including patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis, for which there are currently no approved drugs, and the orphan drug program for calciphylaxis.” 

The announcement follows the recent appointment of Keith R. Leonard, Former President & CEO of Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, to Sanifit’s Board of Directors.