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Local Tech Wire

A roundup of the latest high-tech and life science news from regional firms:

  • Investment group acquires Arbor Pharmaceuticals

RALEIGH, N.C. — Arbor Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on pediatric medicine, announced today that an investment group led by Jason Wild of JW Asset Management, LLC and Edward Schutter has acquired the company.

Wild became chairman. Schutter was named chief executive officer and will be on the board, Arbor said.

Jarrett Disbrow, founder and CEO of Arbor prior to the acquisition, will remain with the company as vice president of commercial development, an announcement said.

Arbor Pharmaceuticals offers products to treat symptoms of otitis media, otitis externa and atopic dermatitis, all common conditions in children.

Arbor markets three nonantibiotic products for varying otic conditions: Xylarex, Zinotic and Neotic as well as Pediaderm HCfor atopic dermatitis.

  • Global Knowledge names Ghabrial to direct worldwide product management

CARY, N.C. — Training company Global Knowledge said Tuesday that Melad Ghabrial is becoming director of worldwide product management.

The position is new, the company said in its announcement.

Ghabrial will be responsible for working with the executive team and regional product management "to evolve and execute Global Knowledge’s comprehensive product strategy across its worldwide operations," the company said.

He will also focus on strengthening Global Knowledge’s relationships with its leading technology partners, including Cisco, Microsoft, and VMware, as well as developing new relationships to enhance its IT and business skills offering.

Ghabrial joined Global Knowledge when it bought his Synergy Professional Services in 1998.

  • Inspire Pharmaceuticals hires executive VP

DURHAM, N.C. — Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) will name Andrew I. Koven to the newly created position of executive vice president and chief administrative and legal officer, effective May 10, the company said Tuesday.

Adrian Adams, Insire’s president and CEO, cited Koven’s experience in corporate development and licensing, Securities and Exchange Commission reporting, litigation, intellectual property management, compliance and corporate governance.

Adams took over the CEO position in February.

Inspire focuses on researching, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products for ophthalmic and pulmonary diseases. It has products in Phase 3 and Phase 2 trials.