Harrow Pharmaceuticals Appoints Amir Shojaei as New Chief Scientific Officer for Eyecare Innovation

Harrow Pharmaceuticals Welcomes New Chief Scientific Officer to Propel Eyecare Innovation

Harrow Pharmaceuticals, a leading North American eyecare pharmaceutical company, appoints Amir H. Shojaei, PharmD, PhD, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Shojaei brings a wealth of experience, boasting 28 years in the life sciences sector, with a particular focus on clinical development, regulatory affairs, and the commercialization of biopharmaceutical products in ophthalmology. His previous tenure as CSO and Executive Vice President of Clinical Development at AsclepiX Therapeutics has equipped him with the expertise necessary to lead Harrow's innovative initiatives in eyecare.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Shojaei has made significant contributions to the field, including playing a key role in the FDA approval of Xiidra® in 2013—the first treatment specifically for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). This groundbreaking achievement reshaped the DED treatment landscape, paving the way for future therapies. Notably, Harrow’s own VEVYE, which launched last year, builds on this foundation of innovation. In his new role, Dr. Shojaei is expected to leverage his extensive background to further enhance Harrow’s portfolio and drive the development of cutting-edge products aimed at improving patient outcomes.

CEO Mark L. Baum expresses great enthusiasm for Dr. Shojaei’s appointment, emphasizing that his scientific and regulatory expertise aligns perfectly with Harrow's mission to increase accessibility in eyecare. Dr. Shojaei succeeds Dennis E. Saadeh, PharmD, who is retiring after nearly a decade of service, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing Harrow’s compounded products. Baum acknowledges Saadeh's significant contributions to patient care and the overall success of the company, setting a robust precedent for Dr. Shojaei as he steps into this critical leadership role. With Dr. Shojaei at the helm of scientific initiatives, Harrow is poised for a new phase of growth and innovation in the ophthalmic sector.

In addition to his impressive professional background, Dr. Shojaei holds multiple patents and has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications, underscoring his commitment to advancing eyecare research. His academic credentials include a PharmD and PhD from the University of the Pacific, reinforcing his capacity to navigate the complexities of pharmaceutical development and regulatory processes.

As Harrow Pharmaceuticals embarks on this new chapter, the company anticipates that Dr. Shojaei’s leadership will not only enhance its competitive edge in the eyecare market but also contribute to the development of transformative therapies that address unmet patient needs. This strategic appointment reflects Harrow's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in the eyecare industry.