News from Horizon, Conatus and Akorn – People on the move
Horizon Discovery has named Richard Vellacott as its new CFO.
Vellacott joins the company from CSR, where he was VP of finance.
CEO Darrin Disley said: “I’m delighted to welcome Richard to Horizon. As the company continues to expand, it is essential that we maintain a highly experienced executive team with the skills to deliver our growth objectives.”
Conatus Pharmaceuticals has appointed Daniel Ripley as head of corporate development.
He will now take charge of lead licensing, and partnering initiatives for the oncology and fibrotic disease biopharma.
Previously, Ripley worked in mergers and acquistions (M&A) for Isis Pharmaceuticals, and Kalypsys.
President and CEO Steven Mento said: "His varied experience in drug development transactions will be particularly important as we move forward with the development of emricasan, our first-in-class caspase inhibitor, into Phase 3 clinical trials for acute liver failure and liver fibrosis, and the related coordination of its commercialisation activities".
Niche generics maker Akorn has hired Dinesh Dua as the CEO and MD of its Indian subsidiary.
Formerly the CEO and director of Nectar Lifesciences, Dua joins the firm as it boosts its presence in the country.
The firm has also promoted Bruce Kutinsky to the role of COO of US operations.
Previously president of the firm’s consumer health biz, Kutinsky first joined the firm in 2009 as senior VP of corporate strategy.
Raj Rai, CEO said of the two new hires: “Given their backgrounds, I am confident that both Bruce and Dinesh will provide excellent leadership to each operation while allowing me to focus on strategy and new business development.”
Joseph Horrigan has joined Neuren Pharmaceuticals as VP of clinical development and medical affairs.
He joins the team from US science and advocacy organisation Autism Speaks Assistant, where he was VP and head of medical research.
Larry Glass, Neuren's CEO, said: "We are delighted to have Joe join the company. His expertise and insight will contribute immensely to our clinical development programs.”
Blu Pharmaceuticals has drafted in Joe Dombrowski as VP of corporate development.
Previously, he was senior director for strategic planning and business development for Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals.
Dombrowski will now take responsibility for planning and business development for the generics firm, including M&A.
ClinPharm Consulting has drafted in David Mitchell to help lead its drug development professionals.
Mitchell, who takes the role of executive consultant of clinical pharmacology, currently also serves as president of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).
“Dr. Mitchell is an accomplished pharmacokinetic and drug development consultant and we are very pleased to have him bring his professional and scientific talents to ClinPharm,” said Geoffrey Banks, president and CEO.
