Early-phase CRO Accelovance has landed a former Pfizer ($PFE) and Otsuka exec to flesh out its efforts in oncology, part of a sweeping growth strategy that has seen the company expand across the U.S.
Joseph Purvis has joined the company as vice president of medical affairs, oncology, having recently served similar roles at Otsuka and Pfizer. Purvis' career includes stints at Sanofi ($SNY), AstraZeneca ($AZN) and Cell Pathways, all focused on cancer therapeutics, and he has overseen the development, approval and marketing of multiple oncology therapies, according to Accelovance.
Now, joining the growing CRO, Purvis will help shepherd Accelovance's continued expansion in oncology. The company bills itself as an ideal partner for early-stage cancer drug developers, touting expertise in study design, experience with site feasibility determination and a broad network of strategic relationships.
Accelovance's latest hire comes on the heels of an expansion into the life sciences hotbed of Research Triangle Park, NC. The Maryland-headquartered CRO opened up shop in the area in February, adding about 15 employees and cozying up to some major players in drug development and academia.
The CRO, long specializing in oncology and vaccine development, expanded into general medicine last year with its acquisition of Radiant Development, the CRO arm of Radiant Research. That deal gave Accelovance new capabilities in cardiovascular, dermatology, nutrition and urology, plus outposts in Illinois and Florida.
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