On November 7, 2018 Onconova Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ONTX), a Phase 3-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products to treat cancer, with a primary focus on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), reported the appointment of Dr. Richard "Ric" Woodman as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Research & Development. Dr. Woodman will report to Dr. Steve Fruchtman, President and former CMO of the Company (Press release, Onconova, NOV 7, 2018, View Source [SID1234530908]).

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Ric Woodman, M.D., served most recently as Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Oncology Clinical Development and Medical Affairs for Novartis. In his role, Ric provided strategic medical and scientific leadership for both marketed and development-stage compounds. Previously, Ric served as Franchise Head for Hematology in Global Medical Affairs at Novartis Oncology with global oversight of non-registration clinical programs and has worked on the development and life-cycle management of several compounds including Tasigna, Glivec, Farydak, Rydapt, Odomzo and Kymriah.

Before joining Novartis Oncology, Dr. Woodman was Senior Medical Director with Johnson & Johnson, leading the Oncology franchise at Ortho Biotech Products, LP. Prior to Ortho Biotech, Ric held academic appointments as Professor in the Departments of Medicine and Oncology at the University of Calgary in Canada where he joined the faculty in 1990.

Dr. Woodman completed his hematology/oncology clinical fellowship and postdoctoral research fellowship at Scripps Clinic and Research Institute in the Department of Experimental Medicine.

In his welcome statement, Dr. Steve Fruchtman said, "The addition of Ric to the Onconova leadership team is an exciting boost to our expertise in drug development in malignant hematology and oncology. Ric has a proven track record and expertise in the approval of novel agents that have changed the standard of care in hematology, including an erythropoietic stimulatory agent to promote red cell production by the marrow, a common issue in patients with MDS, as well as agents for CML that have transformed the life expectancy of these patients and the management of CML from a previously lethal disease to a chronic disorder. As a key part of the team, Ric’s expertise will help optimize the development of Rigosertib for patients with unmet medical needs in MDS and cancer."

"I am excited to join Onconova at this advanced stage of development of Rigosertib and other promising pipeline assets," said Dr. Woodman. "The anticipated completion of the INSPIRE trial in higher-risk MDS and advancing the design of a pivotal combination trial of oral rigosertib and azacitidine towards a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) are positioning the Company for late stage development, which are areas within my experience and expertise. These trials have set a solid foundation for Rigosertib in patients with MDS. While focused on advancing Rigosertib towards regulatory approval for MDS, Onconova has also created additional opportunities for advancement. I am delighted to join my new colleagues at Onconova, and have the opportunity to work with Steve again in advancing new medicines for patients with unmet medical needs."

Onconova is also pleased to announce the hiring of Matthew Parris to the position of Senior Director, Clinical Operations. Matt joined us after leadership roles in Europe and the U.S. at several Biotechnology companies, including, most recently, Inovio, and at Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), including Orion and Pharm-Olam.
Onconova also welcomes David Evans, who joined recently as Associate Director, Regulatory Affairs, after a decade-long successful career at Celgene.