MMS Holdings Inc, a contract research organisation (CRO), announced yesterday that it has named Dr Mike Poole, MD, FACP as the member of board of scientific advisors.

Currently a venture partner at Biomatics Capital Inc, Dr Poole has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently having led external investments in the Office of the President for Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. In this advisory role, Dr Poole will offer guidance on the design, conduct, and reporting of global phase two to four clinical trials, the implementation of clinical development plans, and global regulatory filings. He has supported a wide range of indications from analgesia, pain, neurology, Alzheimer's Disease, psychiatry, infectious disease and more. Prior to joining the Gates Foundation, Dr Poole served as vice president and head of Neuroscience Innovation at AstraZeneca, chief medical officer for Link Medicine and Hypnion, and he was vice president of Neuroscience Development at Wyeth and Pfizer.

Dr Uma Sharma, chief scientific officer of MMS Holdings, said, 'In the global regulatory landscape, sponsors demand CRO leaders who can provide the highest levels of guidance and visionary leadership – making Dr Mike Poole the perfect addition to our already strong team of advisors. Mike's impressive body of work and industry influence is a key ingredient, highlighting the way that MMS is redefining the CRO experience for pharmaceutical companies of every size. Additionally, his excellent way of clear concise communication is what I have always admired and am happy to have our clients benefit from.'