Onconova Therapeutics announced the unexpected passing of their Chief Medical Officer Mark Gelder, MD.
Dr. Gelder had served as chief medical officer since June 2021, according to an April 6 news release. He joined Onconova with over three decades of experience in clinical development, medical affairs and medical marketing.
Dr. Gelder also served as chief medical officer at Elevar Therapeutics, Pierian Biosciences, Accelovance and Heron Therapeutics. He was a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a trained gynecologist.
"The entire Onconova family is deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved friend and colleague," Steven Fruchtman, MD, president and chief executive officer of Onconova, said in the release.
"Dr. Gelder dedicated his career to caring for and improving the treatment options available to patients with cancer and his thought leadership and scientific passion will be sorely missed by the oncology community," Dr. Fruchtman continued.
Michael Saunders, MD, who has worked with Onconova as a consultant, will serve as interim chief medical officer while the board of directors looks for a permanent replacement.