New VP oversees pegaptanib development

New York-Eyetech Pharmaceuticals has appointed Barrett Katz, MD, as its vice president of medical strategy.

Dr. Katz, who was most recently chairman of the department of ophthalmology at George Washington University School of Medicine and a professor of ophthalmology, neurology, and neurosurgery there, will help guide the phase IIIb/IV clinical protocols and trials for pegaptanib sodium injection (Macugen).

The drug, which is under FDA review for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration, is being developed with Pfizer Ophthalmics. Dr. Katz will serve as senior liaison to the new Pfizer Inc. division.