Pharming Group has appointed Dr. Perry Calias chief scientific officer. Calias will have overall responsibility for the company's new enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) programs, achieving the scientific milestones set in the business plan, enhancing the IP portfolio, overseeing new product development and contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company.

Through the recent acquisition of TRM SASU, Pharming is expanding its validated platform for the production of recombinant human proteins. In order to take advantage of the available ERT development networks and expertise, Pharming also plans to open a small R&D office in Boston, Mass. Calias will be based in Boston and will split his time between there, Paris and Leiden.

Calias is a specialist in developing targeted therapies. As senior director for Shire within the Human Genetic Therapeutics division, he has championed the investigational effort for the intrathecal administration of recombinant enzymes for the treatment of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders associated with lysosomal storage diseases. In this capacity, he has led the research effort with regards to regulatory filings both within the U.S. and abroad, resulting in three clinical trials.

In addition, Calias has held various R&D positions at BBB Technologies, EyeGate Pharmaceuticals, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, Draper Laboratories and Genzyme. Calias is listed as an inventor on over 30 domestic and foreign patents/applications spanning 18 different patent families, including mRNA therapeutics, new polyethylene glycol-linker chemistries, noninvasive ocular delivery devices, nucleic acid protecting strategies and combination anti-angiogenic therapies.