BOULDER, Colo., March 5, 2019 — ArcherDX, Inc., a molecular technology company dedicated to developing breakthrough solutions that advance the application of personalized genomic medicine, today announced that it has added Sandra Close as the Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Diagnostic Strategy, Karen Fritschen as Vice President Human Resources and Dr. Todd Druley, MD, PhD, as Chief Medical Officer to its executive leadership team.
“Todd, Sandra and Karen are joining Archer® at an important time in the company’s evolution as we integrate our recently acquired clinical laboratory and prepare to launch our FDA breakthrough designated companion diagnostic platform” – Jason Myers, co-founder and CEO of ArcherDX
Sandra Close brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in health outcomes, diagnostic, medical device, and therapy development to ArcherDX, Inc. having successfully guided more than 20 drugs, biologics and medical devices through domestic and international regulatory approval. Prior to joining ArcherDX, Sandra served as chief executive officer of GenEngine, a pharmaceutical and diagnostic product industry consulting practice providing clinical development and registration strategies including drug discovery studies, phase I through IV global clinical trials, biomarker and companion diagnostic development and laboratory procedures including validation to regulatory standards (CAP, CLIA, ISO, FDA, EMA, FQS). In addition, Sandra was responsible for building the health outcomes function for Baxter Healthcare/Caremark, leading the research and clinical biomarker functions – including personalized medicine and companion diagnostics – at Eli Lilly and Company and served as the Chief Scientific Officer for Arrogen, an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory with operations in the US and the UK.
Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, a Master of Science degree from Columbia University, New York and a PhD in Medical and Molecular Genetics from Indiana University, Indianapolis.
With more than 20 years’ experience leading Human Resource (HR) teams in high-growth companies ranging from venture-backed startups to publicly traded Fortune 500 businesses, Karen Fritschen brings strategic vision and multidisciplinary expertise to ArcherDX. A former Global Vice President of Human Resources, Karen has built high performing global teams and successfully led functional due diligence and integration efforts for multiple acquisitions. Prior to joining ArcherDX, Karen launched Ensemble HR Services Group, Inc., a human resources consultancy supporting high growth businesses in a variety of industries including life sciences, data security and SAAS. In addition, Karen held HR leadership roles with rapidly growing companies including Market Force Information, Intrado, and Comcast.
Karen attended Regis University and received professional certifications through the Human Resource Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management.
Dr. Druley, a respected reseArcher® and clinician, most recently served as Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. While at Washington University, his research focused on developing genomic and computational strategies for the discovery and surveillance of clonal hematopoiesis as a method for improving minimal residual disease detection and therapeutic selection in pediatric leukemia. He is an inductee into the American Society of Clinical Investigators and serves as a scientific advisor for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, the Gateway Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Kids Shouldn’t Have Cancer Foundation, the B+ Foundation and the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation. As the founder and director of their Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Program, he will continue to see children with cancer predisposition as well as oversee his academic research lab at Washington University.
Dr. Druley received his PhD, MD and BS degrees from the University of Illinois and was a Resident and Clinical Fellow in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Washington University.
“It is a privilege to join the Archer® team,” said Dr. Druley. “With their proprietary Anchored Multiplex PCR (AMP™) technology and history of innovative collaborations with both practicing clinicians and biopharmaceutical researchers, ArcherDX, Inc. is uniquely positioned to accelerate the availability and adoption of high quality genomic analysis tools. I look forward to working with the executive team and our collaborators to advance solutions which address true unmet needs.”
“Todd, Sandra and Karen are joining Archer® at an important time in the company’s evolution as we integrate our recently acquired clinical laboratory and prepare to launch our FDA breakthrough designated companion diagnostic platform,” said Jason Myers, co-founder and chief executive officer of ArcherDX. “These executives have tremendous passion for patient care and add expertise that will help guide our pipeline of personalized diagnostic solutions for solid tumors and hematological malignancies.”