Tarsus Pharmaceuticals Appoints Former Allergan CEO David Pyott to Board of Directors
Key Insights
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals has appointed David E. I. Pyott, former Chairman and CEO of Allergan, to its Board of Directors to support the company's growth strategy.
Pyott transformed Allergan from a $1 billion eye care business into a global specialty pharmaceutical leader generating over $7 billion in revenue during his 17-year tenure.
The appointment comes as Tarsus advances its eye care portfolio, including FDA-approved XDEMVY for Demodex blepharitis (search) and Phase 2 programs for ocular rosacea (search) and Lyme disease (search) prevention.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of David E. I. Pyott, former Chairman and CEO of Allergan, to its Board of Directors on February 18, 2026. The strategic addition brings decades of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience to the eye care-focused company as it scales its commercial operations and advances its clinical pipeline.
Leadership Experience in Eye Care Innovation
Pyott brings extensive experience in transforming eye care businesses into global pharmaceutical leaders. During his 17-year tenure as CEO of Allergan, he transformed the company from a focused eye care business with approximately $1 billion in sales into a global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device leader generating more than $7 billion in revenue. His leadership was recognized by Harvard Business Review, which named him one of the "100 Best Performing CEOs in the World."
"David is one of the most accomplished leaders in eye care, with a strong track record of translating innovation into global impact," said Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Tarsus. "His experience building some of the most successful franchises in our industry will be invaluable as we scale XDEMVY, advance our pipeline and position Tarsus for sustained growth."
Strategic Timing for Portfolio Expansion
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Tarsus as the company commercializes its FDA-approved treatment XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution (search)) 0.25% for Demodex blepharitis (search) while advancing multiple Phase 2 programs. The company is developing TP-04 for the potential treatment of ocular rosacea (search) and TP-05 as an oral tablet for the potential prevention of Lyme disease (search).
"Tarsus is entering a highly compelling next phase of its evolution, and I'm pleased to join the Board at this important moment in time," said Pyott. "Tarsus has already established a remarkable foundation with its lead commercial product and promising pipeline, and I look forward to working with its outstanding Board and management team to help build long-term value and advance further meaningful innovation in eye care and beyond."
Broader Industry Experience
Prior to his role at Allergan, Pyott served as Head of the Novartis Nutrition Division and as a member of the Executive Committee of Novartis AG. He currently serves on the boards of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (search) and Pliant Therapeutics, and previously served on the boards of Royal Philips and BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Beyond his corporate roles, Pyott serves as Chairman of the Governing Board of the London Business School, Vice President and co-founder of the Ophthalmology Foundation, and a Trustee of the California Institute of Technology. His educational background includes a Diploma in International and European Law from the Europa Institute at the University of Amsterdam, an Honorary Degree in Medicine and Master of Arts degree from the University of Edinburgh, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the London Business School.