News from Novo Nordisk, Generix, and Watson Pharma – People on the move
Novo Nordisk has named Robert Clark US VP of regulatory affairs.
Previously the regulatory strategic head for Pfizer,Clarkwill now work with the regulatory team as well as figures from the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
"Bob is bringing 27 years of experience and knowledge of the global and US regulatory environment, and it's that know-how we require for an increasingly complex pharmaceutical marketplace," said Anne Philips, corporate VP of clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs.
She said Clark’s experience would help Novo tackle regulatory hurdles for its therapies, “one of the most promising diabetes pipelines in the industry.”
Teva has hired Michael Hayden as president of global research and development and chief scientific officer.
The Isreal-based generics firm says Hayden’s appointment will help it integrate efforts from its discovery and development teams.
Of his new role, he said: “We have a tremendous opportunity to redefine the way we traditionally develop medicines by focusing on research and development as a whole, and not by how the product will be commercialised.”
Hayden is also currently Killam Professor of Medical Genetics at theUniversityofBritish Columbia, and Canada Research chair in human genetics and molecular medicine.
Watson Pharmaceuticals has created a new global integration management office, and has drafted in Marc Lehnen to lead it.
Formerly a partner at McKinsey & Company, he will become senior VP of global integration management.
The move follows the company’s takeover of Swiss-firm Actavis. The new team will focus on the integration of the two firms.
"Watson is committed to integrating the combined assets of our company and Actavis as rapidly and as seamlessly as possible, to recognise the combined potential of the global organisation, and to implement appropriate planning and execution processes to capitalise on the potential synergies that will result from this combination," said CEO Paul Bisaro.
Generex Biotechnology Corporation has formed a scientific advisory board (SAB) for its oncology immuno-therapeutics subsidiary, Antigen Express.
The initial focus of the SAB will be to review the Phase II clinical trial of the firm’s breast cancer vaccine, as well as moving the therapy into Phase III.
The board will be headed by Texas Univeristy breast cancer specialist Gabriel Hortobagyi.
"Our goal here is to create a world-class collective of thought and opinion leaders in the breast cancer field," said Mark Fletcher, president and CEO.
John Deighan has become chief financial officer for InnoPharma.
Prior to joining the firm, Deighan was chief financial officer for Eagle Pharmaceuticals.
Navneet Puri, president and CEO said: "John's specialty pharmaceutical experience and strategic and tactical planning skills will be critical and accretive assets to the InnoPharma team. We look forward to working with John as we continue to build our business and execute on our goals."
AMAG has named William Heiden president and CEO, as well as board member.
The news follows the company’s decision to allow its biggest stakeholder, Adage Capital, to increase equity ownership to 25 per cent.
Heiden takes over from interim CEO Frank Thomas, who will now return to his role of executive VP and chief operating officer.
Michael Narachi, chairman, said: “At this critical juncture in the evolution of our company, it is imperative that we shift our focus from an active sale process to the continued growth of Feraheme and the pursuit of business development opportunities.
“As always, we will continually evaluate all opportunities to create value for our stockholders.”
