A New Approach
Metabolic Solutions Development Company (MSDC) is developing innovative therapeutics to treat type 2 diabetes and the cardiovascular risks associated with metabolic syndrome based on a novel target. In a recently completed Phase IIa study, MSDC's lead candidate, MSDC-0160, successfully achieved effective glucose control without the side effects that are associated with current insulin sensitizers. MSDC believes that with proper development, MSDC-0160 and other pipeline candidates can have a significant impact in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, potentially, related diseases. The company’s second compound, MSDC-0602, is based on the same novel target as MSDC-0160 and is expected to begin clinical testing early next year.
Management Team
Robert A. Beardsley, PhD, MBA – Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Beardsley previously was President and CEO of Kereos in St. Louis. During his tenure at Kereos, he helped the firm raise approximately $25 million and progressed the company’s lead cancer candidate from concept to Phase I. While there, he also developed and managed collaborations with national healthcare organizations and top academic partners. Prior to joining Kereos, he served as interim CEO of Metaphore Pharmaceuticals, a clinical-stage, venture-backed biotech firm, and as co-founder and managing partner of Simile Investors.
Jerry Colca, PhD – President and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Colca co-founded MSDC in 2006 after retiring from Pfizer where he was in discovery research. Prior to the series of mergers making the Upjohn Company part of Pfizer, he led a research team at Upjohn that contributed to the discovery and early development of pioglitazone (Actos®). Dr. Colca has more than 30 years of experience in diabetes research, beginning with postdoctoral work at Washington University studying the biochemistry of isolated pancreatic islets and stimulus secretion coupling in the control of metabolism. Dr. Colca has published extensively on the mechanism of action of the insulin sensitizers.
Rolf Kletzien, PhD – Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Kletzien co-founded MSDC after retiring from Pfizer where he was Vice President of Genomics and Biotechnology. Prior to Pfizer, he held numerous leadership positions with the Upjohn Company, Pharmacia & Upjohn, and Pharmacia. He has devoted his career to studying the cellular and molecular basis of human therapeutics, having held academic appointments in biochemistry at West Virginia University School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Dana/Farber Cancer Center, Princeton University, and the University of Wisconsin. Before entering the pharmaceutical industry in 1989, Dr. Kletzien earned a Research Career Development Award in Diabetes.
Angie Shashlo – VP of Development
Ms. Shashlo previously was Sr. Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance & Project Management at Tobira Therapeutics in Princeton. Prior to co-founding Tobira, she served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Project Management at Incyte, Sr. Vice President at Genaera, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Ligand, and various positions at Wyeth and the Upjohn Company.
Board of Directors/Executive Team
Members of the management team have more than 100 combined years of experience with large pharmaceutical organizations. The team’s background encompasses drug research and development, biomarker discovery, intellectual property, business development, marketing, operations, finance, and management.
Mark Olesnavage, MBARolf Kletzien, PhDJohn Landis, Ph.D.
Jerry Callahan, PhD, MBAJerry Colca, PhD
Scientific Advisory Board
Douglas Morton, PhD – Former Group Vice President, Technology Acquisitions & Operations for Discovery Research, Pharmacia Corporation
Charles F. Burant, MD, PhD – Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan; Director, Michigan Metabolomics & Obesity Center
William Baer, MD, PharmD – Medical Director, ClinXus
