Joel Scherer, MD
Managing Director
Bill Gaskins
Director, Quality
Paul K. Owens, PhD
Sr. Director, CMC
Neil V. Smith, PharmD
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Vish Watkins, MD
Sr. Medical Director
Chuck Ruegg, PhD, DABT
Research Advisor
Robert W. Armstrong, PhD
VP, GER&D, Eli Lilly and Company
Ken Olovich, MBA
Director, Operations and Sourcing
David Monteith, PhD
Principal Research Scientist
John Polzer, DVM, MS, MS
Principal Research Scientist
Eyas Abu-Raddad, PhD
Principal Research Scientist
Jeffrey W. Miller, MD
Sr. Medical Director, Clinical Pharmacology
Dr. Joel Scherer is the Managing Director of Chorus, responsible for overseeing the group in addition to serving as the Medical Director. He brings over 20 years of medical and research experience.
Dr. Scherer, obtained his MD degree from Stanford University in 1981. He holds a BS in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Harvard University. He completed his medical training in general internal medicine and subspecialty training in cardiology at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital from 1981-1987 and practiced invasive cardiology in southern California before joining Lilly. He is a member of the American Heart Association and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Scherer joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1994 and has directed the development of multiple compounds from Phase I-IV. He was named Managing Director of the Chorus group in May, 2008. Prior to this, he served as Transition Team Leader and Cardiovascular Medical Director. From 2001-2003 he served as Director, LRL Strategy, where he worked on a number of initiatives including advancing Lilly’s strategy in tailored therapeutics as well as developing alternative R&D business and finance models. His interest in applying alternative development models to address industry productivity challenges was borne out of experiences in co-leading joint teams with strategic Biotech partners where assets were advance on an outsourced model managed on their streamlined operational platforms.
Dr. Scherer, obtained his MD degree from Stanford University in 1981. He holds a BS in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Harvard University. He completed his medical training in general internal medicine and subspecialty training in cardiology at the University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital from 1981-1987 and practiced invasive cardiology in southern California before joining Lilly. He is a member of the American Heart Association and a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Scherer joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1994 and has directed the development of multiple compounds from Phase I-IV. He was named Managing Director of the Chorus group in May, 2008. Prior to this, he served as Transition Team Leader and Cardiovascular Medical Director. From 2001-2003 he served as Director, LRL Strategy, where he worked on a number of initiatives including advancing Lilly’s strategy in tailored therapeutics as well as developing alternative R&D business and finance models. His interest in applying alternative development models to address industry productivity challenges was borne out of experiences in co-leading joint teams with strategic Biotech partners where assets were advance on an outsourced model managed on their streamlined operational platforms.
Dr. Robert W. Armstrong became vice president of global external research and development for Eli Lilly and Company in November 2006. His previous role was vice president of discovery chemistry research. Dr. Armstrong is responsible to accelerate LRL's ability to access external innovation, including scientific and medical capabilities and capacity, as well as new drug candidates. He is also a member of the senior management council.
Prior to joining Lilly in November 1999, Armstrong had been director and head of small molecule drug discovery at Amgen, Inc.
He received BS degrees in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of California at San Diego a doctorate degree in chemistry from Colorado State University. Upon completion of an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, he was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California at Los Angeles, where he remains an adjunct faculty member.
Prior to joining Lilly in November 1999, Armstrong had been director and head of small molecule drug discovery at Amgen, Inc.
He received BS degrees in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of California at San Diego a doctorate degree in chemistry from Colorado State University. Upon completion of an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University, he was a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California at Los Angeles, where he remains an adjunct faculty member.
Dr. David Monteith is a Principal Research Scientist for Toxicology and ADME, responsible for all toxicology related activities in Chorus, including strategic outsourcing, toxicology operations management, and finalization of study reports. He brings over 18 years of pharmaceutical research experience to Chorus.
In his previous role at Lilly, Dr. Monteith was responsible for toxicology specifically focusing on discovery activities in oncology. Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Monteith was a Research Scientist and Team Leader for Surrogate Assays, in which he designed and directed research for the development and implementation of in vitro assays to predict or screen drug candidates for toxicity.
Dr. Monteith was an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University from 1997 until 2003, and a Professor of Biology at Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne from 1987 until 1991. He received is PhD in Toxicology from the University of Texas School of Public Health – Houston in 1985.
In his previous role at Lilly, Dr. Monteith was responsible for toxicology specifically focusing on discovery activities in oncology. Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Monteith was a Research Scientist and Team Leader for Surrogate Assays, in which he designed and directed research for the development and implementation of in vitro assays to predict or screen drug candidates for toxicity.
Dr. Monteith was an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University from 1997 until 2003, and a Professor of Biology at Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne from 1987 until 1991. He received is PhD in Toxicology from the University of Texas School of Public Health – Houston in 1985.
Mr. Ken Olovich is the Director of Operations and Sourcing for Chorus. He brings 18 years of pharmaceutical research experience, joining Eli Lilly and Company in June 1990. As Director, Mr. Olovich has primary responsibility for oversight of Chorus contracting activities as well as its internal and external quality strategy.
In his previous role at Lilly, Mr. Olovich served as Team Leader for Clinical Trial Operations in the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area where he supervised clinical associates and support staff in the planning and implementation of phase I/II neurology and psychiatry clinical trials. Other roles at Lilly include, Clinical Sourcing Team Leader and Senior Clinical Sourcing Associate.
He earned his Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and his Bachelor of Pharmacy from Purdue University.
In his previous role at Lilly, Mr. Olovich served as Team Leader for Clinical Trial Operations in the Neuroscience Therapeutic Area where he supervised clinical associates and support staff in the planning and implementation of phase I/II neurology and psychiatry clinical trials. Other roles at Lilly include, Clinical Sourcing Team Leader and Senior Clinical Sourcing Associate.
He earned his Masters of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and his Bachelor of Pharmacy from Purdue University.
Dr. Paul Owens is Senior Director of CMC for Chorus. He brings over 11 years of pharmaceutical research experience, joining Eli Lilly and Company in 2003. Dr. Owens is responsible for all aspects of chemistry manufacturing and control (CMC) for the group.
In his previous role at Lilly, Dr. Owens was a Principal Research Scientist at the Tippecanoe Laboratories manufacturing facilities. There he predominantly focused on analytical development for late-phase drug substance projects. Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Owens worked in analytical development at Pfizer Central Research in Sandwich, UK and worked at AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Sweden where he was an Associate Principal Scientist.
A native of Ireland, he received his B.Sc. degree in Analytical Chemistry from Staffordshire University, UK and his PhD degree from the School of Pharmacy at Bradford University, United Kingdom in Pharmaceutical Analysis.
In his previous role at Lilly, Dr. Owens was a Principal Research Scientist at the Tippecanoe Laboratories manufacturing facilities. There he predominantly focused on analytical development for late-phase drug substance projects. Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Owens worked in analytical development at Pfizer Central Research in Sandwich, UK and worked at AstraZeneca R&D Mölndal, Sweden where he was an Associate Principal Scientist.
A native of Ireland, he received his B.Sc. degree in Analytical Chemistry from Staffordshire University, UK and his PhD degree from the School of Pharmacy at Bradford University, United Kingdom in Pharmaceutical Analysis.
Mr. Bill Gaskins is the Quality Director for Chorus. He brings over 29 years of pharmaceutical experience to Chorus. As Quality Director, Mr. Gaskins is responsible for the quality strategy and oversight for all Chorus GMP, GLP and GCP internal and external activities.
Joining Lilly in 1981, Mr. Gaskins began as an Analytical Chemist and has since held several positions in Quality Assurance, Development, Analytical, and Manufacturing. Mr. Gaskins joined Chorus in 2005 and was instrumental in developing Chorus’ CMC strategy and quality oversight processes.
Bill studied Chemistry and Mathematics at Indiana University. He has extensive experience managing CMC contractor organizations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Joining Lilly in 1981, Mr. Gaskins began as an Analytical Chemist and has since held several positions in Quality Assurance, Development, Analytical, and Manufacturing. Mr. Gaskins joined Chorus in 2005 and was instrumental in developing Chorus’ CMC strategy and quality oversight processes.
Bill studied Chemistry and Mathematics at Indiana University. He has extensive experience managing CMC contractor organizations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Dr. Neil Smith is Director of Regulatory Affairs for Chorus. He brings nearly 10 years of pharmaceutical research experience, joining Eli Lilly and Company in June 2000. As Director, Dr. Smith is responsible for global regulatory strategy and submissions for all Chorus new molecule entities.
In his previous role at Lilly as an Associate Regulatory Consultant for Intercontinental Regulatory Affairs, he supported International regulatory submissions for numerous investigational and marketed compounds across multiple therapeutic areas, in many regions of the world.
He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and his Masters of Business Administration from the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore.
In his previous role at Lilly as an Associate Regulatory Consultant for Intercontinental Regulatory Affairs, he supported International regulatory submissions for numerous investigational and marketed compounds across multiple therapeutic areas, in many regions of the world.
He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore and his Masters of Business Administration from the Merrick School of Business at the University of Baltimore.
Dr. John Polzer is a Principal Research Scientist - Statistics, responsible for all statistical consultation and support across the Chorus portfolio. He brings over 11 years of pharmaceutical research experience to Chorus.
Dr. Polzer joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1997 as a statistician. His drug development experience includes deep expertise within the cardiovascular and neuroscience therapeutic areas as well as global patient safety and global health outcomes. He has extensive experience working with global partners, alliances and vendors.
Dr. Polzer obtained his D.V.M. degree from Tufts University in 1988. He subsequently earned a M.S. in Epidemiology and a M.S. in Statistics, both from Texas A&M University. Before joining Lilly, he was in small animal private clinical practice; additionally, he served as a Veterinary Medical Office for the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Statistical Association.
Dr. Polzer joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1997 as a statistician. His drug development experience includes deep expertise within the cardiovascular and neuroscience therapeutic areas as well as global patient safety and global health outcomes. He has extensive experience working with global partners, alliances and vendors.
Dr. Polzer obtained his D.V.M. degree from Tufts University in 1988. He subsequently earned a M.S. in Epidemiology and a M.S. in Statistics, both from Texas A&M University. Before joining Lilly, he was in small animal private clinical practice; additionally, he served as a Veterinary Medical Office for the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Statistical Association.
Dr. Vish Watkins is Senior Medical Director for Chorus, responsible for managing product assets as well as overseeing Chorus pharmacovigilance activities. Dr. Watkins has over 30 years of clinical experience, including 28 years in research. Dr. Watkins joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1995.
In his previous roles at Lilly, Dr. Watkins has held positions including Research Physician, Clinical Pharmacologist, Medical Director for the Hepatitis B Virus Product Team, and as a Project Leader for Program Phase in Pharmacovigilance.
Dr. Watkins completed his medical education at the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research in India, his residency in Internal Medicine at the Sinai Hospital of Detroit, and a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Florida.
In his previous roles at Lilly, Dr. Watkins has held positions including Research Physician, Clinical Pharmacologist, Medical Director for the Hepatitis B Virus Product Team, and as a Project Leader for Program Phase in Pharmacovigilance.
Dr. Watkins completed his medical education at the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research in India, his residency in Internal Medicine at the Sinai Hospital of Detroit, and a Fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the University of Florida.
Dr. Abu-Raddad is a Principal Research Scientist for PKPD Modeling for Chorus. Dr. Abu-Raddad received a bachelor of Pharmacy with honors from the University of Jordan (Amman, Jordan) in 1997, and completed his doctorate in Pharmacokinetics/Pharmaceutics from the University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia) in 2001. He joined Eli Lilly and Company in 2001. Since then, he helped design and implement PK/PD modeling and simulations strategies for early drug development programs in the areas of infectious disease, endocrine, cardiovascular among others.
During and after a joint assignment in Decision Science 2006-2008, he helped build strategies and tools for integrating PK/PD models with decision analytic tools to aid decision making. He has been involved in building multi-attribute clinical utility models, and implementing decision analytic methods in multiple six sigma teams. His primary focus is to increase the quality, transparency and ease of communication of complex drug development problems.
In 2008, Dr. Abu-Raddad served as a head in Drug Disposition/PK/PD. He currently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at Chorus, working to advance the use of quantitative pharmacology and decision analytic approaches.
During and after a joint assignment in Decision Science 2006-2008, he helped build strategies and tools for integrating PK/PD models with decision analytic tools to aid decision making. He has been involved in building multi-attribute clinical utility models, and implementing decision analytic methods in multiple six sigma teams. His primary focus is to increase the quality, transparency and ease of communication of complex drug development problems.
In 2008, Dr. Abu-Raddad served as a head in Drug Disposition/PK/PD. He currently serves as a Principal Research Scientist at Chorus, working to advance the use of quantitative pharmacology and decision analytic approaches.
Dr. Charles Ruegg is a Research Advisor specializing in Toxicology and ADME study designs and interpretations for assets managed by Chorus. He is responsible for strategic outsourcing, data interpretation, and assembly of Toxicology and ADME sections for regulatory documents. Dr. Ruegg has extensive experience working with global partners, alliances and vendors. He brings over 20 years of pharmaceutical research experience to Chorus.
Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Ruegg received his Ph.D. degree in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Arizona in 1987, completed post doctoral research in Physiology at Duke University in 1990, and co-founded a new biotechnology contract research organization called In Vitro Technologies, Inc. (IVT) in 1990 were he served as Vice President of Scientific Affairs through 2000.
Prior to joining Lilly, Dr. Ruegg received his Ph.D. degree in pharmacology and toxicology from the University of Arizona in 1987, completed post doctoral research in Physiology at Duke University in 1990, and co-founded a new biotechnology contract research organization called In Vitro Technologies, Inc. (IVT) in 1990 were he served as Vice President of Scientific Affairs through 2000.
Dr. Jeffrey Miller is a Senior Medical Director for Chorus responsible for Clinical Pharmacology.
Dr. Miller joined Lilly in 1995 after completing Fellowships in Endocrinology and Clinical Pharmacology at Stanford University from 1991-95. Dr. Miller has conducted Phase 1 clinical research in the areas of osteoporosis, gynecological disorders, diabetes and obesity. He has served as chairman of the US Exploratory and Biopharm PRCs and Musculoskeletal QP Pod, and served as a standing member of the Musculoskeletal Enduring Team.
He was an Internal Medicine resident at the Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, and earned his M.D. at SUNY Syracuse after attending Amherst College.
Dr. Miller joined Lilly in 1995 after completing Fellowships in Endocrinology and Clinical Pharmacology at Stanford University from 1991-95. Dr. Miller has conducted Phase 1 clinical research in the areas of osteoporosis, gynecological disorders, diabetes and obesity. He has served as chairman of the US Exploratory and Biopharm PRCs and Musculoskeletal QP Pod, and served as a standing member of the Musculoskeletal Enduring Team.
He was an Internal Medicine resident at the Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, and earned his M.D. at SUNY Syracuse after attending Amherst College.