In addition, EnteroMedics has announced that Katherine Tweden, vice president of research, will also assume the role of interim vice president of medical affairs, overseeing daily operations of the company’s clinical department. Dr Tweden is a co-founder of the company and has been head of its research department since January of 2003.
Richard Wilson, has been named interim chief medical officer, where he will provide medical support to the clinical department, as well as continue to represent EnteroMedics to the Empower data safety monitoring board. Mr Wilson has served as a clinical consultant and medical liaison to the company since its inception, and has 25 years of experience in the research, development, global registration and commercialization of numerous health care products.
Both Dr Tweden and Mr Wilson participated in the design and implementation of the company’s clinical studies, including the Empower pivotal trial. Both will report to Mark Knudson, president and CEO of the company, and will continue to work closely with each other in coordinating the company’s clinical development efforts.
Mr Knudson said: “We understand the personal circumstances that led to Dennis’s decision and appreciate his contributions to EnteroMedics. Thanks to our team of experienced senior executives, we have the expertise in place to continue guiding VBLOC Therapy’s clinical direction.
Rich brings continuity with the medical community that, together with Katherine’s closeness to the clinical team and the technology, ideally positions them to lead our clinical efforts while we assess our future needs.”