David brings extensive clinical development, research, and regulatory experience, spanning more than 20 years in large pharma and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic areas, including hepatology, immuno-oncology, and rare diseases. Dr. Apelian was most recently COO and Executive Medical Officer at Eiger Biopharma, where he was responsible for the strategy and execution of late-stage clinical development programs, including chronic hepatitis D, progeria, and post-bariatric hypoglycemia, where he still serves on the board of directors. He also served as Executive VP and Chief Medical Officer of Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a position he held since 2013. He was instrumental in securing an HCV partnership between Achillion and J&J, which resulted in a $225 million equity investment. Dr. Apelian completed his residency training in pediatrics at New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center, and is board-certified in Pediatrics. He received a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rutgers University, an M.D. from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and an MBA from Quinnipiac University. He earned a B.A. in biochemistry from Rutgers University.