Cardiol Therapeutics brings on Andrew Hamer as its new chief medical officer

Cardiol Therapeutics Inc (TSE:CRDL) (OTCQX:CRTPF) (FSE:CT9) is boosting its executive team with the addition of Dr. Andrew Hamer as its chief medical officer. Hamer has 30 years of experience in the global life sciences industry, medical affairs, and cardiology. He most recently served as Executive Director, Global Development-Cardiometabolic at Amgen Inc, where he led the global development of Repatha, a LDL cholesterol lowering PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab with around $900 million in sales last year. READ: Cardiol Therapeutics gets 'Speculative Buy' rating as Leede Jones Gable initiates coverage In his new role, Hamer will lead the research and development of the company’s clinical-stage products and will also guide the development of additional novel therapeutics in Oakville, Ontario-based Cardiol’s pipeline. The company is currently advancing its lead drug CardiolRx, a pharmaceutically-produced oral cannabidiol formulation designed to treat heart diseases. "I am excited to be joining Cardiol Therapeutics and look forward to working with the outstanding leadership team in progressing the clinical development of the company's promising therapies,” Hamer said in a statement Tuesday. “There are millions of patients worldwide suffering from heart disease, where inflammation is a critical underlying component, and they depend on the efforts of companies like Cardiol to develop new treatment options that are safe and effective. I am pleased to have the opportunity to play a leadership role in this important endeavour." Cardiol CEO David Elsley said the company is “extremely pleased” to have Hamer join the leadership team. "Dr Hamer's multi-faceted experience in cardiovascular medicine, research and commercial development, and medical leadership will be invaluable in the design, execution, and reporting the results of our clinical programs.” Hamer assumes the CMO role from Dr. Eldon Smith, a co-founder of Cardiol, who will continue to serve as chair of the board and an advisor to the company. "On behalf of the entire Cardiol team and the Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Eldon Smith for his exceptional contributions to the company and for his many years of service that have helped position us for success,” Elsley added. “I wish Eldon good health and happiness in his well-earned retirement." Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas