Edward Conner, M.D., is a seasoned physician-executive with over 25 years of experience in clinical development, regulatory strategy, and medical affairs within the biopharmaceutical industry. He earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, followed by residency training in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology. Early in his career, Dr. Conner held key roles at companies such as Relypsa (acquired by Galenica), where he served as Vice President of Clinical Development, overseeing pivotal trials for patiromer, an FDA-approved treatment for hyperkalemia. His expertise spans gastrointestinal, renal, and metabolic disorders, with a proven track record of advancing therapies from Phase 1 through commercialization. As Chief Medical Officer at Ardelyx Inc. from 2019 to 2023, Dr. Conner led the company's clinical and medical teams during a transformative period. He spearheaded the development and regulatory submissions for IBSRELA (tenapanor) for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and XPHOZAH (tenapanor) for hyperphosphatemia in chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis, both of which received FDA approvals in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Under his leadership, Ardelyx achieved multiple successful Phase 3 trials, navigated complex regulatory pathways, and expanded its pipeline in cardiorenal and GI therapeutics, significantly enhancing the company's market position. Post-Ardelyx, Dr. Conner continues to consult for biotech firms and serves on advisory boards, leveraging his deep knowledge of FDA interactions and innovative trial designs to mentor emerging leaders in drug development. His contributions have been recognized through publications in leading journals and presentations at international conferences, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal figure in advancing patient-centric therapies.