Dr Schwartz brings to ArQule significant experience in oncology drug development in both the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
He was most recently senior vice president of clinical and regulatory affairs, and chief medical officer at Ziopharm Oncology, which he joined in 2006 and where he built and led clinical, regulatory and quality assurance departments responsible for the development of new cancer drugs. Prior to joining Ziopharm, Dr Schwartz held a number of positions at Bayer Healthcare and Leo Laboratories.
Dr Schwartz will be responsible for the company’s clinical trial and regulatory affairs operations.
Nigel Rulewski, the company’s current chief medical officer, intends to remain as chief medical officer of ArQule until Dr Schwartz joins and thereafter will assist the company during a transition period.
Paolo Pucci, CEO of ArQule, said: “Dr Schwartz’s depth and breadth of oncology product development experience will help advance the development of our lead molecule, ARQ 197, a selective, small-molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, and our earlier-stage product candidates in an effective and timely fashion.”