Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs

Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq ARWR) is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Using a broad portfolio of RNA chemistries and efficient modes of delivery, Arrowhead therapies trigger the RNA interference mechanism to induce rapid, deep, and durable knockdown of target genes. RNA interference, or RNAi, is a mechanism present in living cells that inhibits the expression of a specific gene, thereby affecting the production of a specific protein. Arrowhead’s RNAi-based therapeutics leverage this natural pathway of gene silencing.

Arrowhead is focused on developing innovative drugs for diseases with a genetic basis, typically characterized by the overproduction of one or more proteins that are involved with disease. The depth and versatility of our RNAi technologies enables us to potentially address conditions in virtually any therapeutic area and pursue disease targets that are not otherwise addressable by small molecules and biologics. Arrowhead is leading the field in bringing the promise of RNAi to address diseases outside of the liver, and our clinical pipeline includes disease targets in the liver and lung with a promising pipeline of preclinical candidates.

Arrowhead’s corporate headquarters is in Pasadena, CA with research and development teams in Madison, WI & San Diego, CA, and a state of the art manufacturing facility in Verona, WI.  Our employees are nimble, science-driven innovators who are collaborating to bring new therapies to patients in need. 

The Position

This position will report into Group Vice President, Regulatory Affairs. Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, will be the leader of the Clinical Regulatory sub-team and will have responsibility for Clinical Regulatory submissions in the US and ex-US across the entire Arrowhead pipeline, with a focus on the EU.

The Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs will provide global oversight; direction and leadership for all clinical regulatory activities related to their assigned products as well as any assigned functional support activities. The incumbent will actively develop, participate in, and manage the coordination, creation, and review of clinical regulatory strategies and all associated documents for regulatory submissions. The Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, will ensure compliance of all associated activities, documentation quality and reporting obligations with relevant global regulatory requirements, laws and regulations.

This role requires onsite presence 5 days a week either in Pasadena, CA or San Diego, CA, with a preference for Pasadena, CA. 

Responsibilities

• In partnership with the Group Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, provide clinical regulatory expertise and leadership to ensure the Company builds credible and trustworthy relationships with health authorities based upon the submission of scientifically meritorious data and in conformance with quality standards.
• Interacts with FDA and other international regulatory agencies as needed, on a proactive, independent, and frequent Appropriately communicates company views to agencies.
• Supervise, manage, and collaborate with external service vendors, contractors and consultants as needed.
• Obtain, generate information and documents to be submitted to regulatory authorities; prepare effective planning timelines, and liaise with team contributors for the preparation of required regulatory documents and submissions. Provide regulatory subject matter expertise during the review of documentation, protocols and reports received. Prepare additional written materials as needed.
• Review and interpret regulatory rules as they relate to Company products and procedures, clinical studies, testing or record-keeping and ensure they are communicated through Company policies and procedures. Recommend and implement compliance strategies for existing and proposed products and activities.
• Take a leadership role in the development of regulatory functional infrastructure and business operations e.g. electronic documentation management systems/archiving, electronic publishing systems, documentation template development; serve as primary owner for Regulatory Affairs Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Serve as backup to the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs on assigned core teams as needed; assist in submission risk assessment process.
• Handle various project budgets, as assigned. 
• Occasional domestic and international travel. 

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a science-related field (with an advanced scientific degree preferred).
• 10 years of relevant experience in a regulated drug environment is required. The ideal candidate will also have management experience.
• In-depth understanding of regulations and guidelines governing all phases (pre-IND through post-approval) of drug development and working knowledge of US and ex-US regulations and practices pertaining to the development, manufacture, testing and distribution of pharmaceutical
• In-depth understanding of clinical regulatory requirements for clinical trials and marketing applications particularly for key countries ex-US such as EU, UK, Canada, Australia and Asia.
• In-depth understanding of regional/country-specific clinical regulatory requirements for launch requirements and post-approval life cycle management particularly for key countries ex-US such as EU, UK, Canada, Australia and Asia.
• A demonstrated track record of successful regulatory filings e.g. IND/CTAs, NDA/BLA/MAAs is essential, with the ideal candidate having done several INDs and at least one registrational filing. Experience with bringing regulatory projects to commercialization is of value.
• Demonstrable experience in successfully developing and managing regulatory submissions, review and preparation of scientific/technical/clinical responses to agency questions
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical development, clinical research and the regulatory environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in leading a team to prepare for major regulatory agency interactions, such as FDA pre-NDA, EOP2 meetings, advisory committee meetings, and/or EU oral explanations/scientific advice.
• Experience with the electronic submission process (e.g., Veeva RIM System or equivalent); highly proficient in the functionality of MS Word, Adobe Acrobat, and PowerPoint.

California pay range {{:}} $280,000 USD - $320,000 USD

Arrowhead provides competitive salaries and an excellent benefit package.   

Candidates must have current, valid authorization to work in the country where this role is located.

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