Xenon Pharmaceuticals, a clinical genetics-based drug discovery and development company focused on rare diseases, has appointed Gary J. Bridger, PhD, as executive vice president of research and development.

Bridger has spent over 20 years in the life sciences industry, including positions at Johnson Matthey, AnorMED and Genzyme. Prior to joining Xenon, he was a partner with Ventures West Capital Management and he currently serves on the scientific advisory board of Alectos Therapeutics. Bridger is the co-author of more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and 40 granted U.S. patents, mainly in the field of chemokine receptor antagonists.