Cardax Pharmaceuticals Chief Medical Officer Dr. Fredric Pashkow died earlier this month, the company announced today. He was 66.

Pashkow, who also was an executive vice president and director of the Honolulu-based biotech company, died Dec. 2 at his home in Los Angeles of a pulmonary embolism.

“Fred was an outstanding person, a great friend and colleague. The whole Cardax family is deeply saddened his death,” said Nicholas Mitsakos, Cardax executive chairman. “His dedication to Cardax was inspiring to the entire company, and to those with whom we worked. He will be sorely missed.”

Pashkow joined Cardax in 2006 and led the company’s relationships with members of the medical research community, co-authored science and medical communications, and helped supervise regulatory affairs.

“In addition to his own extensive contributions to the company, perhaps Fred’s most enduring legacy is the depth and quality of scientific expertise he was able to attract to the company, including our Scientific Advisory Board members and other key relationships in the industry,” said David Watumull, president and chief executive officer  “He also played an important role in the company’s financing efforts. But, most importantly, his passing will be felt personally by the whole company,” Watamull said.

Pashkow also directed the clinical development program for the Cardax platform of anti-inflammatory agents and helped oversee the company’s extensive pre-clinical activities.  He is listed as a co-inventor on one of the company’s patent applications.
Pashkow also served as a board member of Hawaii Biotech before the company spun off Cardax in May 2006.

Prior to Cardax, he worked for what is now Sanofi in various positions from 2002 to 2006, ending as vice President for medical Affairs, cardiovascular/thrombosis.

Before accepting his position at Sanofi, Dr. Pashkow was Director of the Queen’s Medical Center Heart Institute from 1999-2002, where he designed and implemented a program resulting in major reduction in cardiovascular surgical mortality as well as innovative programs in cardiovascular prevention and wellness.

Prior to Queen’s, Dr. Pashkow worked for ten years at the Cleveland Clinic where he filled multiple leadership roles including director of the Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation Programs.

Pashkow was an avid fly fisherman, kayaker, and art collector.

“He loved Hawaii and spent much time with his wife of 44 years, Peg, at their former home in the Diamond Head area and at their apartment in Hawaii Kai,” the company said in a news release.

In addition to his wife Pashkow also is survived by son Matt “Pash” Pashkow, daughter Mindy Silverstein, and four grandchildren.