Remedy Pharmaceuticals, a privately-held phase III-ready pharmaceutical company focused on bringing a life-saving hospital-based treatment to people affected by central nervous system (CNS) related edema, has announced that David Epstein has joined as special advisor to the company’s board of directors.

Until earlier this year, Epstein spent two-and-a-half decades at Swiss-based Novartis, most recently as division head and CEO of the Pharmaceuticals business. Previously, Epstein started and led Novartis' Oncology and Molecular Diagnostics units. Under his leadership, the Oncology business grew to number two in the world. He has more than 20 years of extensive drug development, deal making, commercialization and people leadership experience on a global scale. Over the course of his career he led the development and commercialization of over 30 new molecular entities including major breakthroughs such as Glivec, Tasigna, Gilenya, Cosentyx and Entresto.

Early in his career, Epstein was an Associate in the Strategy Practice of the consulting firm Booz, Allen and Hamilton. He was recently named by Fierce Biotech to be among "The 25 most influential in biopharma."

"We are honored to be working with David,” said David Geliebter, executive chairman of Remedy Pharmaceuticals. “His unparalleled experience in drug development and commercialization will be indispensable as we continue to advance our product pipeline and explore prospective strategic alliances.”

"I am excited about the science and the progress made to date," said David Epstein. “My goal is to help Remedy’s executive team accelerate their program so that as many patients as possible can benefit from this life-saving medicine."