The new appointments come as the medical cannabis company advances its efforts to pursue development of CBD-based therapies to replace widely used opioid painkillers in treatment programs
Inc () (OTCMKTS:FSDDF) is boosting its scientific advisory board with the appointment of four new medical professionals, including renowned physcian Dr Larry Kaiser as chairman of the committee.
The new appointments come as the medical cannabis company advances its efforts to pursue development of CBD-based therapies to replace widely used opioid painkillers in treatment programs.
Dr Kaiser is the Dean of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and serves as the CEO of the Philadelphia-based university’s health system. He was named one of the “50 Most Influential Health Executives” by Modern Healthcare magazine earlier in 2019.
READ: FSD Pharma finalizes US$17.5M acquisition of R&D pharma company Prismic Pharmaceuticals
Kaiser’s long career in medicine began after his graduation from Tulane University and included a residency stint at the University of Toronto. He also served on the faculty at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Washington University School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania.
"I am delighted to Chair the Scientific Advisory Board of FSD Pharma, which is represented by a diverse group of remarkable researchers and clinicians in the medicinal cannabis space,” Kaiser said in a statement.
“FSD Pharma's strategic intent to advance R&D of FDA approved clinical trials of synthetic & biosynthetic cannabinoids compounds is very compelling and I am looking forward to assisting the company meet its objectives.”
In addition to Kaiser’s appointment as chair, Toronto-based FSD added Dr Adam Friedman, Dr Ken Mackie and Dr Sara Jane Ward, three leading cannabis researchers and scientists, to its scientific advisory board.
Raza Bokhari, FSD’s CEO said: “I am delighted to welcome Drs. Kaiser, Friedman, Mackie and Ward to the FSD Pharma Scientific Advisory Board, where they join some of the country’s most distinguished thought leaders in the clinical development of medicinal cannabis therapeutics.
“The depth and breadth of knowledge of this team is without equal and will be invaluable as our Biosciences Division advances under the leadership of Dr. Edward Brennan. This Division is pursuing R&D of novel cannabinoid-based and opioid-sparing therapies targeting the human endo-cannabinoid system.”
The new appointments bring FSD’s scientific board membership to nine professionals. Kaiser is replacing outgoing chairman Dr Charles Pollack, who has been placed on a leave of absence, according to FSD.
Contact Angela at [email protected]
Follow her on @AHarmantas