Management Team
Navigating the Regulatory Waters
The intrigue of Chakshu’s technology and it’s potential benefits the product could bring to affected people inspired Alan to join the Chakshu team. He fervently takes on the challenge of guiding the development process through the regulatory rigors.
Alan has often demonstrated the unique ability to work cooperatively and successfully with the FDA to assure that critical drugs are safely made available to the public. “Seeing them reach the market place and those who will benefit from the treatment is very rewarding.” Alan brings his diverse experience to Chakshu to accomplish this once again.
Lifework
Dr. Russell most recently served as vice president, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs at VISX, Incorporated where he was responsible for obtaining FDA approval of several wavefront-guided LASIK indications. From 1998 to 2000 he was CEO of AvMax, Inc., a privately-held pharmaceutical company. From 1992 to 1998, as senior vice president, Scientific Affairs, at Cygnus, Inc., Dr. Russell designed and implemented regulatory and clinical strategies for GlucoWatch®, a non-invasive, continuous glucose-monitoring device for patients with diabetes. Prior to that, he was vice president for Scientific Affairs at Chiron Corporation from 1987 to 1992 where he oversaw the regulatory and development strategy for a variety of HCV and HIV diagnostic biological products. He held the same position at Beecham Laboratories from 1983 to 1987 where he was responsible for obtaining NDA approval for AUGMENTIN®. Prior to this, he held various management positions of increasing responsibility at Syntex Corporation from 1971 to 1983.
Alan has also taught Food and Drug law at the University of Santa Clara Law School.
Formal Education
Dr. Russell received his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Exeter University in Exeter, England and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He subsequently received an M.B.A. and J.D. from the University of Santa Clara.