WAYNE, PA — Palvella Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: PVLA) has appointed David W. Osborne, Ph.D., as Chief Innovation Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in developing therapies for difficult-to-treat skin diseases. Osborne has contributed to the approval of more than 30 topical therapies, including ZORYVE® (roflumilast) cream and foam, and will now oversee innovation across Palvella’s early-stage research pipeline.
In his new role, Osborne will focus on advancing the company’s proprietary QTORIN™ platform, designed to generate targeted topical therapies for rare genetic skin conditions. Palvella is currently applying the technology to mTOR-driven diseases through QTORIN™ rapamycin while also exploring additional molecules for future development.
“Having spent over 25 years working in formulation science and translational innovation, I have seen firsthand how thoughtful, patient-centered drug development can make a profound impact,” Osborne said. “I see tremendous potential for addressing mTOR-driven skin diseases with QTORIN™ rapamycin, and the potential of the QTORIN™ platform extends well beyond rapamycin to additional molecules.”
Osborne co-founded Arcutis Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ARQT) and served as its first Chief Technical Officer, where he played a key role in developing therapies for plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. His earlier career included leadership positions at Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tolmar Inc., and Atrix Laboratories, with contributions to several FDA-approved treatments, including ACZONE® Gel, METROGEL® 1%, and JUBLIA® Solution. He holds 52 U.S. patents, more than 200 international patents, and has published extensively on drug delivery.
“Palvella is honored to welcome David to our senior leadership team,” said Wes Kaupinen, Founder and CEO of Palvella Therapeutics. “His track record of developing innovative FDA-approved medicines, combined with his deep expertise in novel topical drug formulation, will be invaluable as he guides the development of our second QTORIN™ product candidate and shapes the future expansion of the QTORIN™ platform.”
Osborne’s appointment underscores Palvella’s strategic focus on developing first-in-disease therapies for serious, rare skin conditions, an area where treatment options remain limited.
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