Aziz Mottiwala (l) and Neera Clase.
IRVINE, Calif.—Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TARS), a biopharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic eyecare, has announced that Neera Clase, formerly senior vice president of market access, has been named interim chief commercial officer. The appointment, which is effective immediately, comes as Aziz Mottiwala, who has served as chief commercial officer, departs the company to pursue a new opportunity as chief executive officer of a public medical device company, Tarsus stated. Clase will serve in this role while Tarsus conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Since joining Tarsus in 2021, Clase has played an integral role in the company’s evolution from a clinical-stage organization to a successful commercial biopharmaceutical company, the announcement stated. Her leadership has helped shape Tarsus’ strategy, advanced its strategic priorities and positioned the company for sustained long-term growth, Tarsus advised, noting that her appointment reflects the depth of experience across the company’s commercial leadership team, as well as its ongoing focus on leadership development and succession planning.
The leadership transition comes as Tarsus enters its next phase of growth following the successful commercialization of Xdemvy and the recent acquisition of iRenix Medical, Inc., which expands Tarsus’ pipeline and further strengthens its position as a leading eyecare company, the announcement stated. Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% is FDA approved in the United States for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is the caliber of leaders we’ve been able to attract to Tarsus. Aziz’s appointment as CEO of a public medical device company is a reflection of his exceptional leadership and impact, and we’re excited to see him take this next step,” said Bobby Azamian, MD, Ph.D., CEO and chairman of Tarsus. “Just as importantly, this transition comes at a moment of tremendous momentum for Tarsus. Xdemvy continues to grow, our pipeline is expanding, and we’re entering one of the most exciting chapters in our company’s history. Neera has played a pivotal role in building the commercial capabilities that position us for continued success, and she will be supported by an exceptional team of leaders as we continue executing our strategy and delivering for patients.”
“Being part of the Tarsus team has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Mottiwala. “I’m grateful to Bobby and this entire team for the opportunity to help build one of the strongest commercial organizations in our industry—one that knows how to win, how to lead and, most importantly, puts patients first. I have complete confidence in Neera and the entire commercial leadership team to continue raising the bar and leading Tarsus into its next chapter.”
