Questcor Pharmaceuticals makes new appointment to board

In that position, he is responsible for leading Allergan's global research and development organisation, including medical affairs, drug discovery and medical device research, as well as the global development programs that include ophthalmology, BOTOX/neurology, medical dermatology, medical aesthetics, plastic surgery, urology and the surgical treatment of obesity.

"Dr. Whitcup is a highly-regarded leader in the biopharmaceutical industry with extensive experience in multiple therapeutic areas including autoimmune diseases, ophthalmology, CNS disease and dermatology," said Virgil D. Thompson, chairman of the board of Questcor Pharmaceuticals.

Increase in scientific efforts

"The growth strategies and product manufacturing for Acthar (H.P. Acthar Gel) and Botox have some interesting parallels. We believe that Scott's pivotal role in the growth of Botox as a treatment for a range of medical conditions will benefit Questcor as we increase our scientific efforts to explore the potential for Acthar to treat additional autoimmune conditions."

"I am pleased to add my expertise into the mix of talent already on the board and management team of Questcor and look forward to assisting the company in executing its strategic plans," noted Dr. Whitcup.

Dr. Whitcup joined Allergan in 2000, has been executive VP, research & development since July 2004 and in April 2009 became chief scientific officer. While at Allergan, he has been instrumental in obtaining approximately 20 major regulatory approvals including Botox for chronic migraine, upper limb spasticity and neurogenic urologic conditions, LUMIGAN, RESTASIS, LATISSE, LAP-BAND for lower body mass index patients, and JUVEDERM.

Prior to joining Allergan, Dr. Whitcup served as the clinical director of the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. As clinical director, Dr. Whitcup's leadership was vital in building the clinical research program and developing new therapies for ophthalmic diseases. Dr. Whitcup graduated from Cornell University and Cornell University Medical College. He completed residency training in internal medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles and in ophthalmology at Harvard University, as well as fellowship training in immunology at the National Institutes of Health.