MAP Pharmaceuticals announces new appointment

In his new role, Dr Cohen will oversee development and execution of MAP Pharmaceuticals’s pediatric asthma clinical program, including Phase III clinical trials for unit dose budesonide (UDB). Dr Cohen will direct the initiation, execution and evaluation of clinical trials and lead clinical interactions with global regulatory authorities. Dr Cohen will report to Donald Kellerman, senior vice president of clinical development and medical affairs.

Dr Cohen brings more than 20 years of therapeutic, clinical and medical experience, with specific expertise in the field of pediatric pulmonology – including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Most recently, Dr Cohen was chief medical officer and vice president of global medical affairs, safety and pharmacovigilance at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, where he was actively involved in all levels of clinical research, from preclinical work through Phase IV development.

Prior to his tenure at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Dr Cohen was senior director of medical affairs at MedImmune.

Timothy Nelson, president and CEO of MAP Pharmaceuticals, said: “Alan’s ability to oversee all stages of the drug development process from clinical trial development to support of marketed products, coupled with his passion for pediatric medicine, makes him an ideal addition to our team as we move towards our goal of commercializing UDB. The perspective he brings, both as an accomplished clinician and academic, adds to an already strong UDB team.”