Alcresta Therapeutics Expands Executive Leadership
Alcresta Therapeutics, Inc., a prominent player in the development and commercialization of innovative enzyme-based products, has announced a significant expansion in its executive leadership. This strategic move includes the promotion of
Michael Yeh, M.D. to the position of Chief Medical Officer and the addition of
Ian Vawter as Chief Financial Officer. The adjustments to the leadership team are aimed at enhancing the company’s efforts to drive crucial strategic initiatives moving forward.
Chief Executive Officer
Dan Orlando expressed enthusiasm over these changes, emphasizing that both Michael and Ian's seasoned expertise will be pivotal in accelerating the company’s growth trajectory. “Michael’s in-depth knowledge in clinical and medical affairs provides us with a substantial edge in steering our medical strategy. Similarly, Ian's leadership on the financial front is expected to catalyze Alcresta's operational success and the emergence of numerous exciting opportunities,” he stated.
Who are Michael Yeh and Ian Vawter?
Michael Yeh joined Alcresta earlier this year in the role of Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, bringing over two decades of rich experience in medical affairs within the healthcare sector. His extensive background includes key roles at renowned organizations like Boston Consulting Group, Genzyme, Novartis, Biogen, and Apellis. Dr. Yeh’s efforts at Alcresta have already made an impact; he spearheaded the expansion of clinical evidence supporting
RELiZORB, which included overseeing two pivotal investigator-initiated trials in critical care and pancreatitis. His ongoing work includes pioneering initiatives for the advancement of Alcresta’s innovative technology for enterally-fed patients in neonatal intensive care units.
On the other hand,
Ian Vawter brings a wealth of knowledge from over 25 years in both industry and financial operations. His experience encompasses overseeing financial, accounting, and strategic planning efforts for leading medical device firms. Ian has played a vital role in propelling rapid growth in past companies like Channel Medsystems, Tepha, CSA Medical, iWalk, and Covidien. His arrival comes at a crucial moment as Alcresta prepares for ongoing commercial expansion and aims to enhance nutritional care for individuals grappling with rare diseases.
About RELiZORB
One of Alcresta Therapeutics’ flagship products is
RELiZORB®, a pioneering device designed to optimize fat absorption for patients relying on enteral nutrition. Specifically indicated for pediatric patients aged one year and older, as well as adult patients, RELiZORB functions as a digestive enzyme cartridge that mimics the role of pancreatic lipase. Developed with Alcresta's proprietary enzyme immobilization technology called
iLipase®, this device is a significant advancement in nutritional care. It was first FDA-cleared in 2015 for adults and later adapted for children aged five and above. In August 2023, this indication was expanded to include children as young as two years old, demonstrating the device's versatility and continual evolution.
The latest iteration of RELiZORB was launched in May 2024, featuring broader compatibility with various enteral formulas, an increased daily device usage capacity, and the flexibility to accommodate continuous or bolus feeding setups. Moreover, in January 2025, Alcresta's commitment to pediatric care was solidified when the FDA approved expanded usage of RELiZORB for children down to one year of age.
About Alcresta Therapeutics, Inc.
Alcresta Therapeutics is dedicated to creating and commercializing enzyme-based solutions targeting challenges faced by patients with gastrointestinal disorders and rare diseases. The company’s current efforts center around RELiZORB, aimed at offering support for patients suffering from pancreatic insufficiency, which is prevalent in conditions such as cystic fibrosis and pancreatitis. Additionally, Alcresta is in the process of developing further applications aimed at infants receiving treatment in neonatal intensive care settings. Backed by
Linden Capital Partners and
HealthQuest Capital, Alcresta is positioned for continued impact in the healthcare landscape.
For more information, visit
www.alcresta.com.