ORANGE COUNTY

Newport Pharmaceuticals International Inc. appointed Dr. D. Stephen Robins, a former medical director of Irvine-based Allergan Pharmaceuticals Inc., to the newly created position of vice president of scientific affairs.

Robins is the second former Allergan executive to join the Newport Beach company, whose sole product Isoprinosine is sold in more than 80 countries to combat an array of diseases. Isoprinosine is barred in the United States.

In July, one-time Allergan executive vice president J. Roberts Fosberg was named Newport’s chief executive officer, after company founder Alvin Glasky was removed by outside directors as chairman and president.

Robins will head the company’s clinical studies and assist in seeking approval for Isoprinosine’s introduction into other markets, a company spokeswoman said.

During his four years with Allergan, Robins was credited with directing worldwide clinical research and petitioning foreign governments for approval of at least 20 new products.