Stewart Sharpe appointed VP commercial operations at Circassia

UK-based biopharma Circassia has appointed pharma veteran Stewart Sharpe as its first VP of commercial operations.

He will lead Circassia's commercialisation for its lead allergy treatment ToleroMune, which is due to begin phase III testing by the end of 2012.

“We believe our ToleroMune technology has the potential to revolutionise allergy treatment,” said Steve Harris, Circassia's CEO. “As we move our lead programme into the final phase of development it is the ideal time to ramp up the extensive commercial preparations required for the successful international launch of our first product.

“Stewart brings to Circassia the senior-level experience and track record of achievement needed to help us achieve this ambitious goal.”

Sharpe joins Circassia from Astellas Pharma's OSI / Prosidion subsidiary, where he was head of commercial and business development.

Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Takeda, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Roche and Glaxo Wellcome.

His prior commercial efforts include leading the global launch of allergy treatment Xolair (omalizumab) for Novartis.

In addition, Sharpe is a member of the board of the Oxford Biosciences Network, a member of the UK Biotechnology Industry Association (BIA) and a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).