Susan Thornton Email Address

President and Chief Executive Officer

Celerion, a leader in early clinical research, delivers Applied Translational Medicine. Celerion applies our expertise and experience to translating information gained in research discoveries, to knowledge of drug action and effect in humans to support early drug development decisions and the clinical pharmacology labeling of new medicines. With over 40 years of experience and 600 global clinic beds (including 24 in-hospital), Celerion conducts and analyzes First-in-Human, clinical proof-of-concept, cardiovascular safety (TQT, robust QT), ADME and NDA-enabling clinical pharmacology studies. Celerion provides expertise on modeling and simulation, study design, medical writing (protocols and reports), clinical data sciences, biostatistics, and PK/PD analysis as well as small and large molecule bioanalytical assays through clinical drug development. Regulatory, drug development and program management complement CelerionUas service offerings.

Dr. Thornton is a life sciences executive with a track record of success in building and managing businesses through technology transfer, product development, and targeted marketing programs. She is currently President and CEO of Celerion, Inc., an early stage CRO. Prior to joining Celerion, Dr. Thornton was CEO and Managing Partner for BioVerum Partners, a healthcare advisory services firm that assists clients in maximizing the value of their life sciences businesses. Before BioVerum, Dr. Thornton was an Executive in Residence with MDS Capital, a leading healthcare venture capital firm and also held the position of President, Global Clinical Research and Central Labs for MDS Inc, a top-five contract clinical research organization operating out of 22 countries. In this position, Dr. Thornton had responsibility for all facets of the business and guided the organization through major change following the acquisition of six regional companies. Prior to MDS, Dr Thornton was Director of Worldwide Business Development for SmithKline Beecham, now GlaxoSmithKline, where she led teams in the negotiation and acquisition of new products for the pharmaceutical business. She also served as Project Manager, leading multidisciplinary project teams in the development of new biotechnology products. Dr. Thornton has substantial experience in international business development, deal sourcing and due diligence, integration and restructuring, and the achievement of sustained financial growth through the development of new business strategies and operating efficiencies. She earned her Ph.D in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. Microbiology and B.S. Psychology from Pennsylvania State University.Specialties: Pharmaceutical outsourcing,Business Development (licensing and acquisitions),Deal Sourcing and Due Diligence,International Business Management,Integration/Restructuring,Operational Efficiencies