News from AstraZeneca, Apricus, and BioTime – People on the move
Former commissioner of the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) Andrew von Eschenbach has joined the BioTime board of directors.
He will also join the board for BioTime's subsidiary OncoCyte.
Eschenbach is currently the President of Samaritan Health Initiatives, a health care policy consultancy. Under his reign as FDA boss, from 2005 to 2009, he also established permanent FDA presence in 16 foreign locations for the first time.
“The emerging field of regenerative medicine holds great promise to not only eliminate disease but to restore health,” he said.
“I look forward to working with BioTime's and OncoCyte's Board of Directors to speed the development of these new therapeutic and diagnostic products for those who so desperately need them.”
AstraZeneca has named Rich Fante and Marion McCourt as new members of its management team.
Fante already fronts the company's commercial operations in North America. He will now also take on Central and South American responsibilities in his new capacity as regional VP, Americas.
"Rich is a strong leader who will enable our company to successfully navigate the challenges facing our industry while delivering innovation and value to our customers, patients and shareholders," said Tony Zook, executive VP, global commercial operations.
McCourt – currently the president and CEO of AstraZeneca Canada – will now be responsible for the operation of the US business, and will front the leadership team as chief operating officer for America.
Fante said of McCourt’s new role: “Marion's leadership, vision and extensive experience will help AstraZeneca and the patients we serve well at a critical time for our business in the United States.”
Kleanthis Xanthopoulos has been drafted into the Apricus Biosciences board of directors.
Currently the president and CEO of Regulus Therapeutics, Xanthopoulos co-founded Anadys Pharmaceuticals where he served as president and CEO from 2000 to 2006.
He remained a director until its acquisition by Roche in 2011.
Xanthopoulos said: “I am very excited to join the board of this rapidly growing specialty bio-pharmaceutical company.”
Immune Pharmaceuticals has appointed Isaac Kobrin to its board of directors.
Kobrin joins the firm as it pushes to establish itself in the global biopharma market.
He was previously chief medical officer and chairman of the strategic and portfolio board at Actelion.
Of Immune, Kobrin commented: “I am very impressed with the Company's research and development platforms which include Bertilimumab, a first-in-class fully human monoclonal antibody against eotaxin-1 ready to enter phase II in multiple indications and the innovative Antibody Drug Conjugate technology of NanoMabs that could significantly improve the efficacy and safety of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory drugs.”
Tesaro chief exec Lonnie Moulder has joined Travena’s board of directors.
Prior to co-founding Tesaro in May 2010, Moulder was president and CEO of Abraxis BioScience, acquired by Celgene.
Trevena's most advanced program, TRV027, is a biased AT1R ligand currently in Phase 2 studies for the treatment of acute heart failure.
“Trevena is entering a crucial time in its corporate development,” said Moulder. “They have superb science, great people, and exciting programs nearing clinical proof of concept. I'm thrilled to be involved.”
