Pharm-Olam International Ltd. (POI) a multi-national full service CRO to pharmaceutical, biotech, and device industries announces the formation of a new global ophthalmology clinical trial division.

The ophthalmology division will provide strategic, operational and consulting to sponsors to maximize potential and minimize risk of development from phase I to phase IV. The division will be lead by POI’s Dr Maria Verdugo, chief scientific officer.

Prior to joining POI, Dr Verdugo served as vice president of Global Medical Affairs at Alcon and Senior Medical Director at Allergan. Dr Verdugo is experienced at product portfolio planning, review and management, due diligence, and market evaluation/risk assessment of in-licensing opportunities. She has successfully achieved global marketing authorizations for new chemical entities through effective conception, streamlining and implementation of clinical, regulatory and business strategies.

“Ophthalmic study design and execution can be quite different than other therapeutic areas. Maria has a proven track record of excellence in achieving these trial objectives that are vital to our industry”, said John Hovre, COO. “This division is already familiar with the terminology, assessments and instrumentation used in ophthalmology trials, along with the particulars of ophthalmic patient recruitment and retention. These assets allow Pharm-Olam to efficiently develop comprehensive project plans and rapidly assemble highly skilled project teams to partner with our clients for maximum success.”