Neurocrine Biosciences Bolsters R&D with Appointment of Andrew Ratz, Ph.D.

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) has strengthened its R&D capabilities with the appointment of Andrew Ratz, Ph.D., as Senior Vice President of Drug Development, Delivery and Device. Dr. Ratz brings over 28 years of experience in drug development and delivery, having contributed to the development and registration of over 25 products across multiple therapeutic areas at Eli Lilly. His expertise in integrated design of devices, drug-device combination products, and packaging systems will be invaluable as Neurocrine Biosciences continues to grow its pipeline and bring new therapies to market.

Dr. Ratz's appointment aligns with Neurocrine Biosciences' ongoing efforts to expand its R&D portfolio and solidify its position in the neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical market. His extensive experience in drug development, delivery, and device management will be particularly valuable as the company continues to grow its pipeline and bring new therapies to market. Some specific initiatives and projects Dr. Ratz might lead at Neurocrine Biosciences include:

1. Development of new drug delivery systems: Dr. Ratz's experience in developing and registering over 25 products across multiple therapeutic areas at Eli Lilly can be leveraged to create innovative drug delivery systems for Neurocrine's pipeline. This could include developing new formulations, delivery devices, or combination products to improve the efficacy, safety, and patient compliance of the company's therapies.
2. Optimization of existing drug delivery systems: Dr. Ratz can also work on enhancing the existing drug delivery systems for Neurocrine's marketed products, such as INGREZZA (valbenazine) and ORILISSA (elagolix). This could involve improving the formulation, device design, or packaging to make these products more user-friendly, accessible, or cost-effective.
3. Collaboration with external partners: Dr. Ratz's experience in global outsourcing can be beneficial in establishing and managing collaborations with external partners, such as contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) or contract research organizations (CROs), to support Neurocrine's CMC needs. This could help the company accelerate its drug development and commercialization efforts while maintaining quality and efficiency.
4. Regulatory compliance and strategy: Dr. Ratz's background in regulatory affairs can be valuable in ensuring that Neurocrine's CMC processes and products comply with relevant regulatory requirements. He can also contribute to the development of regulatory strategies for the company's pipeline, including the design of clinical trials, the preparation of regulatory submissions, and the management of regulatory inspections and audits.

By leading these initiatives and projects, Dr. Ratz can help Neurocrine Biosciences advance its pipeline, improve the commercialization of its products, and ultimately enhance the company's position in the neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical market.