BRIEF—Nicox appoints new chief scientific officer

French ophthalmology company Nicox has appointed Doug Hubatsch as chief scientific officer, leading non-clinical and clinical development activities.

Dr Hubatsch joins Nicox from Novartis’ pharma business, where he was global medical head for ocular surface disease and digital medicines, part of global medical affairs.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in discovery research, development and medical affairs at Novartis, Alcon, Roche and AstraZeneca.

Chief executive Michele Garufi noted Dr Hubatsch has “successfully worked with the US FDA on a number of therapeutic products,” adding “his late-stage development and medical affairs expertise will be essential as Nicox prepares for the approval and potential launch of NCX 470.”