#USA #Fort Lee, NJ #JURVIGO #Mezzion #Ridwan Shabsigh

Mezzion Pharmaceuticals Appoints Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh as COO

Mezzion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Fort Lee, New Jersey, has announced a significant leadership change with Dr. Ridwan Shabsigh, MD, FACS, stepping into the role of President and Chief Operating Officer. This appointment comes at a crucial moment as the biopharmaceutical company focuses on its groundbreaking treatment for individuals born with single ventricle congenital heart disease (SV-CHD), particularly those living with Fontan circulation.

A Pivotal Appointment

Dr. Shabsigh's rich background includes more than 35 years in clinical research, drug development, and commercialization, making him an invaluable asset to Mezzion. His extensive experience spans vital consulting roles across the life sciences sector, where he has significantly influenced the development of numerous leading therapies, particularly within the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors category. Prior to joining Mezzion, Dr. Shabsigh served as the Chair of the Department of Surgery at SBH Health System in New York City and held academic positions at prestigious institutions including Weill-Cornell Medical School and CUNY School of Medicine.

Advancing JURVIGO®

At the forefront of Mezzion's mission is JURVIGO® (udenafil), a highly selective oral PDE5 inhibitor that aims to address a significant unmet medical need in approximately 70,000 individuals worldwide suffering from Fontan physiology. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments specifically for this demographic, which grapples with a range of serious long-term health challenges. The global FUEL-2 trial, a crucial Phase 3 clinical study, is actively enrolling patients across the U.S. and Asia, with European sites soon to follow. Dr. Shabsigh’s perspective will be instrumental as the team gears up for potential regulatory submissions and a move towards commercialization.

Leadership Vision and Goals

Dean Park, Chairman and CEO of Mezzion, expressed confidence in Dr. Shabsigh’s leadership, stating, "Ridwan brings a rare combination of physician leadership, late-stage drug development experience, and operational execution. As we advance the FUEL-2 program, his guidance will be vital in ensuring that we meet our objectives and build a scalable organization poised to deliver long-term value."

Dr. Shabsigh articulated his mission succinctly: "Our goal is clear: to successfully complete the FUEL-2 clinical trial and, if approved, to make JURVIGO® accessible to children and adults living with Fontan circulation. I look forward to collaborating with patients, families, clinicians, and investigators, ensuring that our efforts lead to the introduction of a first-in-class therapy."

The Economic Impact

The implications of complex congenital heart diseases extend far beyond health; they represent a significant economic burden, with estimates suggesting an impact of about $74 billion annually in the U.S. alone. Addressing such pressing needs through innovative treatments like JURVIGO® is at the heart of what Mezzion aspires to accomplish under Dr. Shabsigh’s leadership.

About Mezzion Pharmaceuticals

Founded as a U.S. subsidiary of Mezzion Pharma Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ 140410), Mezzion is a late-stage biopharmaceutical firm with a commitment to developing therapies for rare and underserved diseases. The journey for JURVIGO® is a testament to their dedication to not only improving patient outcomes but also advancing novel therapies that could reshape the landscape for patients with rare medical conditions.

For further details, please visit Mezzion Pharmaceuticals and FUEL-2 Study.