US-based clinical-stage biotechnology company Skyhawk Therapeutics has named Aaron Deves as chief commercial officer, positioning the firm for the anticipated launch of its lead Huntington's disease drug candidate SKY-0515, according to a report by Fierce Pharma. The appointment marks a significant step in Skyhawk's commercial readiness as it pursues regulatory approvals in multiple markets.

Fierce Pharma reported that Deves previously served as chief operating officer and head of marketing for Teva's US specialty business, where he led a commercial team of approximately 800 people across marketing, sales, market access, and medical affairs.

Prior to Teva, Deves held senior roles at Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer, where he spent 16 years in progressively senior positions across marketing, sales, operations, and global development, including contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease therapies.

Bill Haney, CEO of Skyhawk Therapeutics, said: "Deves's 30 years of experience successfully building commercial teams and launching innovative drugs for challenging neurological conditions helps prepare Skyhawk to bring a much-needed disease-modifying treatment to patients with Huntington's disease as quickly as possible — pending additional clinical results and regulatory approvals."

Deves said he is incredibly excited to join Skyhawk, adding that the company's Huntington's disease programme can be the cornerstone of a powerful commercial neuro business.

Skyhawk has indicated it may receive accelerated approval for SKY-0515 in Australia within the next 12 months, with launches in other major markets planned for 2027.

SKY-0515 is being developed as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Huntington's disease, using Skyhawk's proprietary SKYSTAR platform to discover small molecule RNA-modulating therapies.

Get the full picture on this pharma leadership appointment here.