Verona Pharma plc announced that David Zaccardelli, Pharm. D., has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with effect from February 1, 2020. Dr. Zaccardelli has also joined the board of Verona Pharma.

Dr. Zaccardelli brings substantial specialty pharmaceutical leadership and operational expertise, including most notably, serving as President and CEO of Dova Pharmaceuticals Inc. until its acquisition by Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) in November 2019. In addition, Mark W. Hahn, a seasoned pharmaceutical finance executive, will join Verona Pharma as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a non-board position, with effect from March 1, 2020. Mr. Hahn previously served as the CFO of Dova Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Cempra Inc. Both Dr. Zaccardelli and Mr. Hahn will be based in North Carolina in the US, where the majority of the Company's clinical team are located, to lead the development and commercialization of ensifentrine for respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”), asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF).