Parexel International, a global biopharmaceutical services provider, announced that Sy Pretorius, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, and Evan Demestihas, M.D., RPh, Vice President, Worldwide Head of The Medical Affairs Company (TMAC), have been named to PharmaVOICE magazine’s list of the 100 most inspiring people in the life sciences industry. The honor, published in the July/August 2017 issue of PharmaVOICE, recognizes both leaders for their valuable contributions to the industry and dedication to improving patients’ lives, while also mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Dr. Pretorius has been with Parexel for more than 20 years in various international leadership roles. As Chief Scientific Officer, he collaborates closely with biopharmaceutical and medical device clients in designing and optimizing innovative drug/device development strategies and plans. He also leads several Parexel business units across three continents—including the Company’s global Early Phase business, Global Medical Services, Quantitative Clinical Development, as well as its Genomic Medicine unit.
Dr. Demestihas joined Parexel in February 2017, when the Company acquired TMAC, a leading full-service Contract Medical Organization (CMO). TMAC offers outsourced Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) and other field medical teams in addition to medical affairs consulting, medical information, and direct placement services. A 30-year veteran of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Demestihas has led TMAC from its founding in 2007. In 1997, Dr. Demestihas established the pharmaceutical industry’s first CMO, Science Oriented Solutions (SOS), and led the company for 10 years.
“We are proud that PharmaVOICE has recognized Dr. Sy Pretorius and Dr. Evan Demestihas among this year’s 100 most inspiring people in the life sciences industry. Their passion and dedication to drug development is felt throughout PAREXEL and beyond,” said Josef von Rickenbach, Chairman and CEO, Parexel. “Sy’s leadership in clinical trial innovation has helped Parexel expand our capabilities and service offerings to help our clients bring treatments to market faster and more efficiently. Evan is a pioneer in the medical affairs sector, who recognized a demand for medical affairs solutions across the industry and created a successful breakthrough business model. The leadership, innovation, and dedication that both Sy and Evan bring to Parexel inspire our global workforce each day.”
The annual PharmaVOICE 100 list honors a select group of leaders in the life sciences who positively impact their colleagues, peers, organizations, and the industry at large. These individuals are passionate, forward-thinkers who actively work to address industry challenges and trends.
