On November 20, 2018 Novelion Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:NVLN), reported that General Counsel, Benjamin Harshbarger, has been appointed as interim CEO, reporting to Novelion’s Executive Chair, Mark Corrigan, M.D., effective immediately (Press release, QLT, NOV 20, 2018, View Source [SID1234531564]). Jeffrey Hackman resigned as interim CEO to pursue another opportunity and will stay with the Company in a transitional role until November 30, 2018.
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Dr. Corrigan commented, "In the past year, we have made substantial progress in the turnaround of Novelion, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to thank Jeff for his dedication to this mission. Importantly, Ben has played a critical role in these initiatives, including the recent loan facility secured by our operating subsidiary, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Aegerion"), which we believe positions Aegerion to achieve a more comprehensive capital restructuring – our primary near-term goal. Ben is a long-tenured and trusted leader among Novelion’s employees, and under his guidance we are well-positioned to continue the positive momentum towards fixing our capital structure and driving growth."
Mr. Harshbarger has served as Novelion’s general counsel since November 2016. Prior to that, he served as Aegerion’s acting general counsel, VP, EMEA legal counsel and as vice president, deputy general counsel. Before joining Aegerion in 2012, Mr. Harshbarger served as senior director, corporate counsel at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from March 2008 to March 2012, and senior director, deputy general counsel at ViaCell, Inc. from March 2006 to March 2008. Mr. Harshbarger served in several legal positions of increasing responsibility at Biogen Idec from November 2001 to March 2006 and served as an associate at the law firm of Mintz Levin from 1996 to 2001. Mr. Harshbarger holds a J.D. from Boston College Law School and a B.A. from the University of Richmond.
Mr. Harshbarger commented, "With two important rare disease therapies that carry potential for expansion in new markets and indications, we believe we have an opportunity to become a sustainable and growing organization. We are primarily focused on reaching our next critical inflection point: a comprehensive long-term capital restructuring which, if successful, will allow us to take advantage of this growth opportunity while continuing to deliver important therapies to patients."