Parexel taps former regulatory officials for consulting group

Waltham-based contract research organization Parexel International Corp. (NSDQ:PRXL) hired two former regulatory scientists for its Parexel Consulting division.

The company added Dr. Toby Silverman, who oversaw aspects of the Food & Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, and Keith Watson, a former employee of the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, where he was a liaison to several European biotechnology safety organizations.*

The two men were brought on to enhance the life science consultancy’s biopharmaceutical industry expertise, to support Parexel’s "clients in navigating challenging global regulatory environments," Parexel Consulting vice president Paul Bridges said in prepared remarks.

The company has been growing its international presence lately, opening offices in Chengdu and Guangzhou, China, and a facility for early-phase patient studies in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

*Correction, June 21, 2010: This article originally and incorrectly reversed the affiliations of Mr. Watson and Dr. Silverman with the FDA and the MHRA. Return to the corrected sentence.