NRx Pharmaceuticals Announces the Appointment of Carrie M. Carretta, PhD, APN-BC, AHN-BC, PMHNP, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs

Rhea-AI Summary

NRx Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: NRXP) announced Dr. Carrie M. Carretta as the new Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. Dr. Carretta, an accomplished leader with extensive experience in clinical development and psychiatric care, is expected to drive the company’s mission to advance its lead drug candidate, NRX-101, aimed at treating suicidal depression and PTSD. The company is currently investigating NRX-101 in a Phase 3 trial with FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation due to promising results in earlier studies.

Positive

• Appointment of Dr. Carrie M. Carretta, enhancing clinical leadership.
• Dr. Carretta's extensive experience in CNS drug development.
• NRX-101 is in Phase 3 trials with FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation.
• Positive prior trial results indicating significant improvement over placebo.

Negative

• None.

• Extensive global pharmaceutical leadership experience in clinical development, operations, and medical affairs
• Focused psychiatry practice expert in PTSD, Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia
• Proven track record in research as an investigator and academic grant-funded researcher
• Visiting Scholar at Stanford University, Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness
• Former roles at Boehringer Ingelheim and Pendulum Therapeutics

RADNOR, Pa., Dec. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: NRXP) ("NRx Pharmaceuticals", the "Company"), a clinical-stage central nervous system (CNS) biopharmaceutical company, today announced the appointment of Carrie M. Carretta, PhD, APN-BC, AHN-BC, PMHNP as Senior Vice President, Clinical Development and Medical Affairs.  She will lead the Company's clinical development program and provide medical oversight across all indications. Dr. Carretta will report to the Chief Executive Officer and Director. 

NRx Pharmaceuticals Announces the Appointment of Carrie M. Carretta, PhD, APN-BC, AHN-BC, PMHNP, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs

"The NRx team is excited to have attracted a clinician with deep experience as an investigator.  Dr. Carretta's wealth of knowledge will help drive our mission to develop a first-in-class lifesaving drug for suicidal depression and PTSD.  She has invaluable experience in both front-line care and corporate drug development that will benefit both patients and shareholders.", said Stephen Willard, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, NRx Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Carretta has extensive leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry, developing and executing strategies in medical, clinical scientific and regulatory affairs as well as hiring, developing, and managing diverse medical science and clinical teams globally.  She brings with her an extensive network of key opinion leaders, health care providers and researchers worldwide.

Dr. Carretta is the co-founder and managing partner at C&G Holdings, LLC and most recently worked for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals as the Executive Director, Therapeutic Area Head for Clinical Development and Medical Affairs leading the CNS and Ophthalmology areas. Prior to this role, Dr. Carretta served as the Vice President, Medical and Scientific Affairs at Pendulum Therapeutics.

Prior leadership roles at Juul Labs included developing infrastructure and strategies which supported the company's consumer device and her work for Novartis contributed to medical excellence for Cosentyx^®, Ilaris®, Entresto® and Kisquali^®, with Bayer Pharmaceuticals for The Betaconnect™ autoinjector used with Betaseron^®, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals for Adasuve^®.

In addition to her experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Carretta has acted as an investigator for numerous clinical trials and has worked extensively in clinical practice both in general and forensic psychiatry, and in academia as a funded researcher.

Dr. Carretta holds a doctorate degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and both master's and bachelor's degrees in Nursing from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.  She is nationally board certified as an APN-BC, AHN-BC & PMHNP. Dr. Carretta is a current visiting scholar at Stanford University, Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness.

About NRx Pharmaceuticals

NRx Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutics for the treatment of central nervous system disorders, specifically suicidal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The company's lead program NRX-101, an oral, fixed-dose combination of D-cycloserine and lurasidone, targets the brain's NMDA receptor and is being investigated in a Phase 3 trial under a Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") Special Protocol Agreement and Breakthrough Therapy Designation in patients with bipolar depression and acute suicidal ideation, an indication for which the only approved treatment is electroshock therapy. NRx Pharmaceuticals has also initiated a Phase 2b clinical trial in patients with Sub-Acute Suicidality, potentially a substantially broader indication. The Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Special Protocol Agreement were awarded by the FDA based on the Company's prior STABIL-B trial that demonstrated substantial improvement over available therapy in reducing depression and suicidality compared to placebo when patients were treated with NRX-101 after a single dose of ketamine.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement of NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our financial outlook, product development, business prospects, and market and industry trends and conditions, as well as the Company's strategies, plans, objectives, and goals. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections of, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company's management. 

The Company assumes no obligation to revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Accordingly, you should not place reliance on any forward-looking statement, and all forward-looking statements are herein qualified by reference to the cautionary statements set forth above.

CORPORATE CONTACT
Molly Cogan
Sr. Director, Global Communications
mcogan@nrxpharma.com

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Suzanne Messere
Investor Relations
suzanne.messere@sternir.com

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SOURCE NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of Dr. Carrie M. Carretta's appointment to NRx Pharmaceuticals?

Dr. Carretta's appointment strengthens clinical leadership, leveraging her extensive experience to advance the company's drug development programs, especially for suicidal depression and PTSD.

What is NRX-101 and its current trial status?

NRX-101 is a lead drug candidate undergoing Phase 3 trials, targeting suicidal depression and PTSD under FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation.

What were the results of previous trials for NRX-101?

Previous trials demonstrated substantial improvement in reducing depression and suicidality compared to placebo, leading to its current Phase 3 trial.

How does Dr. Carretta's background benefit NRX Pharmaceuticals?

Her extensive network and knowledge in clinical development and psychiatric care are expected to positively impact the company’s clinical strategy and patient outcomes.