Clinilabs has appointed Bob Dagher, M.D., as chief medical officer and Waqar Ahmed Siddiqui, M.D., as principal investigator at its Eatontown, New Jersey clinical research unit. The company said the moves strengthen its medical leadership as it works with sponsors developing central nervous system therapies.
Clinilabs is a global, full-service contract research organization focused on CNS drug and device development. In their new roles, Dr. Dagher will provide strategic and medical leadership across the organization, while Dr. Siddiqui will lead execution of research projects at the CRU. Together, they will support the design, development and execution of clinical programs for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device sponsors working on psychiatric, neurological, substance use and rare CNS disorders.
Chief Operating Officer Eileen McAuley said Clinilabs has earned sponsor trust by combining scientific expertise, medical leadership and operational excellence with a track record that extends from first-in-human studies through regulatory approval. She said the two physicians bring complementary experience across the clinical development process, from strategic drug development and regulatory leadership to hands-on clinical research and patient care.
Dr. Dagher brings more than 20 years of executive leadership in clinical development, medical affairs and regulatory strategy across neuropsychiatry, neuroimmunology and rare diseases. Clinilabs said he has served as chief medical officer at four biotechnology companies and has helped lead programs through Phase 3 trials and BLA submissions in areas including mood disorders, psychotic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, ALS, MS and rare CNS disorders.
Dr. Siddiqui joins Clinilabs after a career in psychiatry, behavioral health leadership and clinical research. The company said he has led numerous clinical trials and most recently served as clinical director and chief medical officer of South Beach State Psychiatric Hospital in New York City.
Clinilabs said the appointments reflect its commitment to investing in medical and scientific leadership to help sponsors bring innovative CNS therapies to patients more efficiently.