Molecular Profiles Ltd., a subsidiary of Columbia Laboratories, Inc., (Nasdaq: CBRX), is set to increase awareness and uptake of its pharmaceutical development services in the North American market following the appointment of a new head of US sales.

The development and manufacturing services provider, which has a well-established track record for meeting objectives while tightening development timelines for its clients, has hired Charles D. Maher to expand its client base in the US.

Mr Maher brings extensive senior commercial experience in the global contract services market to this newly-created position. He will focus on presenting the benefits of Molecular Profiles’ unique expertise in combining enabling technologies with advanced characterisation, formulation development and manufacturing.

The organisation recently created a new enabling technologies team and invested in GMP hot melt extrusion (HME) technology to further enhance its expertise in the processing of difficult-to-progress molecules.  Leveraging the location of its Boston-based parent company, Molecular Profiles expects its advanced knowledge in characterisation and dealing with complex molecules will resonate with many US firms.

Dr Nikin Patel, chief executive officer at Molecular Profiles, said: “Over the years, we have built a solid reputation in Europe for applying a science driven approach to our clients’ development challenges in a cost-effective manner that delivers value by accelerating development. We are now striding toward executing our strategy to replicate this success in the United States.

“I am delighted to welcome Charles to the company. His extensive knowledge of the market, experience and strong industry contacts should benefit our efforts to capitalize on our state-of-the-art facility, manufacturing capabilities and growing suite of enabling technologies among pharmaceutical and biotech companies.”

“Building our business in the US brings us closer to our current US-based customers and improves our service to them, while supporting our on-going initiative to expand our pharmaceutical development services client base.”

Mr Maher has held senior roles in the sector and most recently was Vice President of Business Global Development/ USA and Europe for an international pharmaceutical R&D services company. 

Along with its development capabilities, Molecular Profiles manufactures a range of dosage forms for clinical trials spanning solids, liquids, semi-solids and inhaled products, including potent compounds, from its MHRA-licensed site.

About Columbia Laboratories

Columbia Laboratories, Inc. provides pharmaceutical development, clinical trial manufacturing, and advanced analytical and consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry.  The Company has a successful heritage in pharmaceutical research and development, particularly in women's healthcare and drug delivery.  Its most successful product to date, CRINONE^® 8% (progesterone gel), is marketed by Actavis, Inc. in the U.S. and by Merck Serono S.A. in over 60 additional countries worldwide.  

more about molecular profiles ltd