Kenneth Sommerville MD, has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of clinical science at GW Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Sommerville will be based in the U.S. and will oversee clinical development, medical affairs, and regulatory activities related to the company's epilepsy programs, including Epidiolex, GW's product candidate for Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes. He will also support the late-stage completion of the investigational program for Sativex in cancer pain.
 
Dr. Sommerville, a board-certified neurologist, brings 23 years of pharmaceutical industry experience. Dr. Sommerville joins the company from Pfizer, where he served as vice president of clinical sciences and led a team in the development of abuse-deterrent opioids. He has also held senior roles at UCB/Schwarz Pharma where he led clinical and regulatory programs in epilepsy and other neurological product development initiatives.
 
"We are delighted to announce this important appointment and welcome Ken's extensive industry experience and therapeutic expertise in support of our rapidly evolving programs in the U.S.," said Justin Gover, GW's chief executive officer. "Ken will play a leading role in the clinical development of Epidiolex in the U.S. His expertise and depth of knowledge in product development and regulatory matters will serve GW well as we seek to advance Epidiolex through clinical trials and, if successful, obtain FDA approval as rapidly as possible."