Mike Fox brings over 30 years of commercial experience in the pharmaceutical industry to Achelios. He has broad experience in sales, marketing and business development in both domestic and international markets. He was the Director of Marketing at two Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical companies and responsible for the launch of Pharmacia’s flagship brand Xalatan. Most recently he was the Global New Business Development leader for Janssen Pharmaceutical’s Cardiovascular and Metabolic Franchise which recently launched Invokana, a novel product for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Mike has a M.Ed. from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in Marine Science from Stockton University.
James L. Yeager, RPh, Ph.D
Jim is a pharmaceutical scientist who has actively developed new drug delivery technologies and new drug products for 30 years. He is an author, inventor, and expert in the field of topical drug delivery. Most recently, his research led to the development of new, innovative topical products for wound healing and the treatment of male and female sexual dysfunction, fungal and viral infections, and peripheral pain. Jim has an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy and a Ph.D. in industrial and Physical Pharmacy from Purdue University.
John Fort, MD
John joined Achelios in January 2016 as Chief Medical Officer and VP of Clinical Operations. John was the former head of clinical development at Pozen, the pharmaceutical company that developed the migraine therapy TreximetTM. At Pozen, John was a member of executive leadership team and managed all clinical activities through phase 3 and worked with regulatory agencies in the US and EU. Prior to Pozen, John was Vice-President of Clinical Affairs at Adalor working in the gastrointestinal area. He started his clinical development career at Searle, directing the development of the COX 2 inhibitor Celebrex. John has a M.D. from the University of Valencia, Spain and was a fellow at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He also has an M.B.A. from Temple University.
Wade Ficken, MBA
Finance and operations leader who enjoys building corporate performance and financial excellence through financial leadership, operational discipline, and strategic planning. Skilled at formulating and implementing business strategies, growth initiatives, and process improvements that drive top and bottom-line growth.
Data driven, hands on, collaborative leader, who builds high performing teams, based on trust and accountability, to drive better business outcomes. Trusted advisor to the CEO, senior leadership teams and Board of Directors with a wide range of experience working with venture-backed start ups, growth companies, mature businesses and turnaround situations, raising capital, expanding businesses, buying and selling companies, improving processes, optimizing portfolio profitability and implementing management operating systems focused on delivering value to employees, customers and shareholders.
Crist J. Frangakis, Ph,D.
Crist Frangakis is a founder and the C.E.O. of Achelios Therapeutics. He has over 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical research and development, licensing, and business development. He led the discovery and development of several cardiovascular and metabolic drugs, serving as scientist and section head of research at Burroughs Welcome and Glaxo. In addition, Crist had responsibility for pharmaceutical licensing and corporate development for 13 years at Johnson & Johnson and Bayer and closed on several successful major partnering deals. He received his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Arizona and a B.S. in chemistry from South Carolina. Crist is an author of over 70 publications published in peer-refereed journals and 15 issued and pending patents.