News from Delcath, Genesis and Intarcia  – People on the move

Delcath​ has hired Jennifer Simpsonas executive VP of global marketing.

She will take charge of the firm’s global product marketing, brand management and reimbursement programs in the EU, US and other key markets.

Prior to her new role, Simpson was the VP of global marketing and oncology brand lead at Eli Lilly subsidiary ImClone Systems.

Eamonn Hobbs, president and CEO of Delcath, said: "The appointment of Jennifer Simpson adds significant oncology expertise and leadership to our marketing team​.”

Intarcia Therapeutics​ has appointed Michelle Baronas VP of clinical research and CMO. 

Baron joins the company as it enters phase 3 development for ITCA 650 (once or twice yearly subcutaneous continuous delivery of exenatide) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Previously, she was VP of diabetesUSat Sanofi-Aventis, where she designed a diabetes patient solutions platform.

Kurt Graves, executive chairman and acting CEO of Intarcia, said: "Attracting someone with Michelle's proven ability to shape some of the most important medicines in the diabetes field is a key appointment as we initiate our global phase 3 program for ITCA 650​."

Durata Therapeutics​ has named John Shannonas chief commercial officer.

Shannon joins the firm from Baxter Healthcare, where he was general manager of global haemophilia and global commercial excellence.

This is the first time Durata has appointed a CCO. The firm saidShannonwas drafted in to build the its commercial team in anticipation of FDA regulatory filing for its lead product candidate, dalbavancin.

CEO Paul Edick said:“John's joining the Durata team signifies the next important step in our evolution as we prepare for commercialization of our lead product. John's senior leadership experience in the infusion services arena will be an important addition to our team.​”

Gordon Brown has joined the scientific advisory board for opportunistic infections therapy developer MiniVax​. 

Brown has spent a 15 year career in the fungal infection arena, and is currently the sixth century chair in immunology at theUniversityofAberdeen.

The New Orleans, US, based biotech start-up said Brown’s experience will be key to developing its novel vaccine for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP).

“Fungal infections remain a significant unmet medical need and I am committed to advancing our understanding and improving treatments for these deadly infections​,” said Brown.

Cancer immunotherapy specialist Genesis Biopharma​ and named Hans Bishopas executive chairman.

The firm said the appointment is preparatory of it upcoming clinical programs for Contego, a ready-to-infuse adoptive cell therapy for the treatment of stage IV metastatic melanoma.

Bishop, who has also served as a director of the company since January this year, said: "It is a privilege to serve as executive chairman of Genesis at this important point in the company's evolution. I look forward to building a strong leadership team and working with my colleagues on the board to steer the company to success​."

Synta Pharmaceuticals​ has drafted inGeorge Farmeras VP of corporate development.

A former senior analyst, most recently for Canaccord Genuity, Farmer has followed the progress of biotechnology companies with a focus on those specializing in oncology.

In his new role, Farmer will be responsible for leading the communications, competitive intelligence and strategy functions.

“Dr. Farmer brings to our team a unique combination of oncology expertise, knowledge of industry dynamics, and experience with the investment community​,” said Safi Bahcall, president and CEO of Synta.