In this role, Ashfaq will support the ongoing adoption of Rayaldee (calcifediol) extended-release capsules by healthcare professionals who care for patients with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD).
He will lead the further development of Rayaldee for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in adults with stage 5 CKD and vitamin D insufficiency who require regular hemodialysis. He also will lead the development of Alpharen (fermagate) tablets for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in adults with stage 5 CKD.
Ashfaq was previously with AstraZeneca, where he served as Executive Director and Head of the CKD Program within Global Medical Affairs. Prior to Astra Zeneca, Ashfaq was with Amgen where he served as Medical Director and North American Medical Lead for Epogen and Aranesp. He is an academic nephrologist by training and has more than 15 years of clinical experience.
“We are proud to have Ashfaq join our growing team that is focused on developing and commercializing new products for CKD patients,” stated Phillip Frost, Chair and CEO of OPKO Health.
“Ashfaq will play a major role in expanding our renal product offerings which are designed to improve the treatment of SHPT and hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients.”