Transdermal drug therapy developer Dyve Biosciences announced that it appointed longtime Pfizer executive Chuck Harbert to the role of chief scientific officer.

Harbert spent three decades at Pfizer, serving as the company’s VP of U.S. exploratory development and strategic planning, among other senior positions with Pfizer Central Research. He is the inventor and co-inventor of 35 pharmaceutical patents, including the antidepressant Zoloft.

“Dyve attracted me because they have a breakthrough technology that changes the way drugs are delivered, ultimately improving drug safety and efficacy,” Harbert said in a news release. “Dyve’s scientists have been able to get a broad range of drugs and compounds through the skin with much higher bioavailability, at unprecedented levels, well beyond what I’ve seen in the pharmaceutical industry. I’m excited about the power of the underlying technology and the opportunity to join a very talented team.”

“Chuck’s accomplished tenure at Pfizer is world-class with a stellar track record of translating scientific innovation into clinical and commercial success,” added Dyve CEO Dr. Ryan Beal. “He’s been integral to the development of numerous blockbuster drugs and it’s inspiring to be working alongside him. I look forward to working with Chuck, and the rest of the Dyve team, to continue to build this incredible company.”

Harbert’s appointment follows last month’s news that Dyve received FDA clearance to begin a Phase 2 study of its DYV-700 transdermal therapeutic for the treatment of acute gout pain.