We are pleased to announce that Dr Edward McGruder, DVM, PhD will join the company on July 1, 2019 in the newly created role of Global Head of Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I). In this role, Dr McGruder has the responsibility for the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Clinical Research and Innovation teams in Auckland (New Zealand), Lawrence (KS, USA), and New Brunswick (NJ, USA), and RD&I Business Development.

Edward has had a successful and extensive career in animal health research and development, primarily with Elanco. Most recently Dr McGruder has been the Chief Scientific Officer, Alternative Innovation at Elanco. In this role, he was responsible for identifying and commercialising innovation for Elanco via external partnerships and entrepreneurship. Over his 21-year tenure at Elanco, Edward has played key roles in the development and commercialisation of pharmaceutical and anti-infective products in both companion animals and livestock. He has also held a wide range of management and leadership roles within Elanco, including membership in the Elanco Diversity and Inclusion Council. In addition to his Elanco career, Dr McGruder has served as CEO and Board member of a biotech start-up company and spent time as a veterinary practitioner and clinical associate following his graduation from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

“Edward brings deep scientific and commercial expertise in animal health product development to Argenta and we are delighted to be able to make that expertise available to our customers.” Argenta CEO Ben Russell said, “The product development arena in animal health is rapidly changing shape as larger companies look externally, as well as internally for their new product pipeline. In addition to his extensive track record developing products within a large animal health company, Dr McGruder has also been involved in the formation of innovative commercial partnerships and novel commercialisation pathways. While leading our global RD&I team of 75 scientists and clinical researchers, he will work alongside Dr Stephen Sibson, Global Head of Manufacturing for Argenta, in strengthening Argenta’s Molecule to Market offering to customers, providing more efficient and seamless pathways through product innovation, development, clinical studies and commercial manufacturing.”