Steven R. Smith, MD joins Zealand Pharma as Senior Global Medical Advisor in Obesity

Table of Contents

Steven R. Smith, MD, Joins Zealand Pharma as Senior Global Medical Advisor in Obesity

Copenhagen, Denmark, January 7, 2025—
Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: ZEAL) (CVR-no. 20045078), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of innovative peptide-based medicines, today announced that Steven R. Smith, MD, has joined the company as Senior Global Medical Advisor in Obesity, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Smith will report to David Kendall, Chief Medical Officer, and will play a central role across Zealand’s obesity research and clinical development programs.

"We are very excited to welcome Steven to our team here at Zealand," said David Kendall, Chief Medical Officer of Zealand Pharma. "As a recognized global leader in obesity and metabolism research, Steven will play a central role across the research and development organization as we advance our innovative peptide-based assets for the treatment of obesity and related health conditions."

A Renowned Expert in Obesity Research

Dr. Smith brings over 30 years of clinical and translational research experience in obesity, diabetes, and metabolism to his new role at Zealand Pharma. With over 300 scientific publications, he has established himself as a leader in the field, contributing significantly to both basic science and translational research.

Before joining Zealand Pharma, Dr. Smith was the Chief Scientific Officer at the AdventHealth Research Institute, where he led the strategic research agenda across the organization. During his tenure there, he served as the founding scientific director of the Translational Research Institute, focusing on translating scientific discoveries into improved clinical care for patients.

Academic Contributions and Leadership

Dr. Smith has held several key academic positions, including adjunct professorships at Johns Hopkins University, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute. He is also a past President of The Obesity Society, reflecting his extensive leadership experience in advancing research and understanding obesity.

Dr. Smith earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and completed postdoctoral training at Baylor University Medical Center and the Ochsner Clinic.

Excitement for the Future

"It is a very exciting time in obesity research right now," said Dr. Smith. "Zealand Pharma has a strong pipeline of differentiated and innovative assets. I am looking forward to working closely with my talented new colleagues and playing our part in addressing one of society’s biggest health care challenges."

About Zealand Pharma A/S

Zealand Pharma A/S (Nasdaq: ZEAL) (‘Zealand’) is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of peptide-based medicines. With over 10 drug candidates invented by the company advancing into clinical development, two have reached the market, and three are in late-stage development.

The company has also established development partnerships with several pharma companies as well as commercial partnerships for its marketed products. Zealand Pharma was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with a presence worldwide through strategic collaborations and partnerships.