Synthetic Biologics, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based developer of synthetic DNA-based therapeutics and disease-modifying medicines for serious illnesses, has appointed Carol Reed, M.D., as senior vice president of clinical & regulatory affairs.

In this position, Reed will be responsible for the design and implementation of all aspects of clinical development, including clinical trials, and will lead the company's regulatory initiatives. Reed brings over 25 years of experience, in medical practice and in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical sector, including six years with Clinical Data, a biopharmaceutical company that was acquired by Forest Laboratories.

Most recently, Reed served as chief medical officer at Clinical Data from 2005 through 2011, after the company merged with Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, where she had served as vice president of medical affairs since 2003. During her tenure at Clinical Data, Reed was responsible for the design and management of two successful consecutive phase III clinical trials for Viibryd, which is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Prior to her time at Genaissance, Reed served as associate medical director in pulmonary medical research at Bayer Pharmaceuticals.