Liquidia Corporation announced the appointment of Rajeev Saggar, M.D., to the position of Chief Medical Officer. In this role, Dr. Saggar will oversee all aspects of research, clinical development, medical affairs, and regulatory affairs for Liquidia, assuming responsibilities on July 18, 2022.
Roger Jeffs, Chief Executive Officer of Liquidia, said: “We are excited to add a leader of Dr. Saggar’s caliber to our team as we prepare for the launch of YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder upon receipt of final FDA approval. His expertise and credibility in treating patients across a wide spectrum of cardiopulmonary conditions, with a directed focus in caring for patients with pulmonary hypertension and associated lung diseases, will be invaluable as we move into the next stage of Liquidia’s growth. I would like to personally thank Dr. Tushar Shah for his successful efforts in shepherding YUTREPIA™ to its tentative approval by the FDA and for his contributions to the company.”
Dr. Saggar brings more than 20 years of experience as a practicing pulmonologist and has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications with scientific interests including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD).
Dr. Saggar has previously served as Interim Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care at University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Phoenix and the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension and Fibrosis Programs and Lung Transplant Program at Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix. In his role at Banner Medical Center, he served as a Principal Investigator in the pivotal INSPIRE study of YUTREPIA initiated in 2018. Just prior to joining Liquidia, Dr. Saggar served as Vice President of Clinical Development at Theravance Biopharma with oversight of all phases of clinical development across respiratory disease portfolio, including pulmonary fibrosis, allograft rejection, asthma, COPD, and COVID-19.
Dr. Rajeev Saggar said: “It is an honor and privilege to be working with Roger and the Liquidia team as we seek to change the standard of care to include YUTREPIA as the first-choice prostacyclin. The combination of YUTREPIA’s unique attributes has the potential to provide great therapeutic flexibility across a wide-range of inhaled doses, lung capacities and possible future indications. I look forward to collaborating on next-generation products and new therapies, especially where PRINT® Technology can be uniquely applied.”
Dr. Saggar received a M.D. degree from the University of California, Irvine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Pulmonary & Critical Care at the University of California, Irvine, as well as subspecialty training in pulmonary hypertension and lung transplantation at University of California, San Diego and University of California, Los Angeles, respectively.
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