Matrix Pharmaceutical Appoints Charles D. Kowal as Senior Vice President of Scientific and Medical Affairs

Strategic Insights -

Matrix Pharmaceutical Inc. has announced the appointment of Charles D. Kowal, M.D., as senior vice president, scientific and medical affairs. Dr. Kowal, an oncologist with pharmaceutical development expertise, will be responsible for directing Matrix's product development efforts from early research through market approval. The company's focus is on developing products designed to improve the effectiveness and reduce the toxicity of established chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and serious skin diseases. Dr. Kowal's appointment is seen as a significant asset to the company as it rapidly approaches commercialization of its AccuSite and IntraDose injectable gel products.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Kowal, 52, has been appointed as senior vice president, scientific and medical affairs, with responsibility for directing Matrix's product development efforts from early research through market approval.
  • Dr. Kowal has six years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently as senior director of the clinical oncology research program at Warner-Lambert Company.
  • He has also held academic positions as associate professor in the departments of medicine and pharmacology at the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Dr. Kowal has received his oncology training at Yale University School of Medicine and his M.D. from the Ohio State University School of Medicine.
  • He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research.
  • Matrix Pharmaceutical Inc. is utilizing proprietary drug delivery technologies to develop products designed to improve the effectiveness and reduce the toxicity of established chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer and serious skin diseases.
  • The company's initial focus is on its AccuSite injectable gel and IntraDose injectable gel products for localized, sustained-release therapy.
  • Matrix has recently completed Phase III testing for the treatment of genital warts and anticipates filing a new drug application (NDA) this year.
  • Phase III trials for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and accessible tumors, including cancers of the head and neck, are expected to begin in the first quarter.
  • The company has developed various proprietary technologies, including the Therapeutic Adhesive, Depot Delivery System, and Anhydrous Delivery Vehicle.

Statistics:

  • Dr. Kowal has 6 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Matrix Pharmaceutical Inc. is developing products for the treatment of cancer and serious skin diseases.
  • The company's focus is on improving the effectiveness and reducing the toxicity of established chemotherapeutic agents.
  • AccuSite and IntraDose injectable gel products are the initial focus of the company.
  • Phase III trials for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and accessible tumors are expected to begin in the first quarter.
  • Matrix has completed Phase III testing for the treatment of genital warts.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Matrix Pharmaceutical Inc. Appoints Charles D. Kowal, M.D. as Senior Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs" (February 13, 1995)