Dr. Estrella is the esteemed Founding President and Chief Medical Officer at ESTERN Medical CRO Life Sciences International Group, a distinguished Clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in the life sciences and clinical trials development for pharmaceutical and medical device R&D, serving both the US North America and Latin American regions.
Dr. Estrella assumes a pivotal role in the evaluation of Biotech’s, Pharmaceutical, Medical Device / MedTech’s, and CRO Companies, focusing on innovative R&D technologies, potential business partnerships, and strategic alliances. His responsibilities extend to scrutinizing company pipelines and clinical development operational priorities and influencing R&D organizational strategy for senior management across all business units.
With over 25 years of comprehensive experience in clinical research and development (R&D) across various international corporate pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises, Dr. Estrella possesses extensive expertise in all clinical trial phases, particularly in Cardiovascular, Central Nervous System (CNS), Infectious Diseases, and Diagnostic Radiological Imaging. His distinctive combination of entrepreneurial and scientific business acumen positions him as a key driver for ushering novel R&D products into global & international markets and securing approvals for clinical indications.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Estrella has held distinguished senior executive positions in renowned Medical Research and Clinical Development International Companies, including EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he served as the Head Director of Clinical Development. Notably, during his tenure at EPIX, he spearheaded the development of groundbreaking clinical compounds, INDs, and NDAs, most notably Vasovist® (gadofosveset Trisodium), also recognized as ABLAVAR®. Vasovist® was the first Imaging Agent to receive approval for Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA/MRI) in the U.S., offering superior intravascular contrast imaging for the cardiovascular and peripheral artery system through magnetic resonance angiography imaging (MRA/MRI). This achievement was marked by global marketing approval in the United States, Europe, and 40 other countries. Additionally, Dr. Estrella oversaw the development of EP-2104R, a cutting-edge diagnostic radiological imaging pharmaceutical agent designed for the detection of blood clots using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Before his tenure at EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Estrella made significant contributions to the Cardiovascular Medical Device industry as the Senior Physician Director and Clinical Trials Coordinator at the Guidant Corporation Inc., now part of Boston Scientific Inc. & Abbott Vascular, focusing on the Advanced Cardiovascular Systems (ACS), Peripheral & Stent Division in Santa Clara, California. His journey culminated with Guidant’s HERCULINK® Stent platforms.
Dr. Estrella further enriched his expertise and knowledge within the medical clinical research arena during his tenure at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he collaborated on the global clinical development of RISPERDAL® (Risperidone) and Antipsychotic drugs. These drugs were instrumental in treating symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Internationally renowned for his profound expertise in global clinical research development within the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors, Dr. Estrella is highly regarded by the medical and academic community.
Dr. Estrella earned his medical degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Mexico (UAG) and completed his residency training at the National Institute of Nutrition in Mexico City in the Department of Internal Medicine, where he honed his clinical and research medical skills.
