Clinuvel appoints non-executive director

Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) has appointed William Blijdorp as non-executive director, as the company prepares to commercially distribute its Scenesse drug for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Blijdorp is the founder, majority shareholder and supervisory director of Dutch luxury, fast-moving consumer goods and pharmaceutical product wholesaler B&S International.

He served as the Dutch company’s CEO for 27 years and remains actively involved in the company’s expansion strategy.

Clinuvel chair Stan McLiesh said the appointment was motivated by the fact that Scenesse is close to being commercialised.

“Clinuvel is transforming from an R&D to a commercial entity, and the company needed to add commercial expertise to its board,” he said.

“Willem is a long-standing supporter of Clinuvel and brings a wealth of commercial skills to the board which will prove invaluable as we advance the commercialisation of Scenesse and follow-on products.”

EPP is a rare skin condition characterised by painful sensitivity to light. The European Medicines Agency approved Scenesse as an EPP treatment in October. Clinuvel is also trialling Scenesse in vitiligo.

Clinuvel (ASX:CUV) shares were trading unchanged at $3.82 as of around 1 pm on Thursday.