Editor’s note: WRALTechWire’s “Bulldog” is named after the old newspaper tradition of a “bulldog edition” for providing a quick and early look at news. We recently chose to relaunch the Bulldog as a way to incorporate local and other technology and life science news in our daily reports in a concise way so that we can provide more news to our readers.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – In regional tech and life science news: Veteran venture capitalist and oncologist Seth Rudnick steps up role at G1 Therapeutics; Cempra names former Tranzyme exec as commercialization officer; Medfusion strikes a secure data partnership; Tranzyme promotes board member to chair.

The news:

  • G1 Therapeutics’ New Executive Chair

CHAPEL HILL – Drug startup G1 Therapeutics has a new executive chair: Former Canaan Partners venture capitalist Dr. Seth Rudick.

Rudick replaces venture capitalist Christy Shaffer of Durham-based Hatteras Ventures. Shaffer remains a board member.

Rudick will present an update on G1’s research at the Biotech Showcase 2014 next week in San Francisco. An oncologist, Rudick lives in Pinehurst and has served on G1’s advisory board.

He also is a member of the board at Liquidia and Square 1 Bank. 

  • Cempra Names Commercialization Officer

CHAPEL HILL – David Moore, a former executive at Tranzyme Pharmaceuticals and most recently chief business officer at Ocera Therapeutics, is now chief commercialization officer at Cempra (Nasdaq: CEMPR).

Cempra is gearing up to launch two products.

Moore has more than 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical product commercialization efforts, including with two divisions at Johnson & Johnson.

“We know that developing and executing on the right commercial plan is key to marketing success even for highly differentiated products such as solithromycin and Taksta,” said Prabhavathi Fernandes, chief executive officer of Cempra. “To that end, we plan to develop the commercial infrastructure to market these products in acute care settings, such as hospitals, and select specialty community settings. These markets typically require relatively small and targeted sales forces, which a company the size of Cempra can successfully manage, while likely partnering for the broader U.S. community market as well as for markets outside the U.S. in which partners have the necessary resources and are better positioned.”

  • Medfusion Strikes Data Security Deal

CARY – Medfusion has formed a partnership with Maryland-based Secure Exchange Solutions in order to provide secure messaging technology for its clients and users.

Medfusion works with physicians and healthcare providers to communicate electronically with patients. The company has soem 8 million users.

“With integration of the SES Connect solution, Medfusion patient portal providers can quickly and securely send ambulatory or inpatient medical summaries outside of the Medfusion network,” Secure Exchange Solutions says. “SES offers Medfusion providers Direct interoperability with other Electronic Health records (EHRs), Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) and Health Information Service Providers (HISPs).

  • Targacept Promotes Board Member to Chair

WINSTON-SALEM – Targacept (Nasdaq: TRGT) has selected long-time board member John Richard as its new chair.

The biopharmaceutical firm said Richard, who has served on the board since 2002, will continue to be part of its audit and compensation committees. 

Richards currently is partner and director of life science investment firms Phase4 Partners and Georgia Venture Partners.