News from Sucampo, Circassia and Shire – People on the move
UK Government advisory the Technology Strategy Board has named John Brown as chairman of the Cell Therapy Catapult centre.
The "Catapult" is part of a new system of autonomous entities across a range of industries designed to speed up development in the field exclusively for the UK market.
Brown - who is also a member of the BIA board - will help drive the new initiative. Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts, said: "Innovation and technology are an important part of our emerging industrial strategy, and the Catapult programme is central to making sure we are delivering the long term support and development that sectors like Cell Therapy require."
BIA also welcomed the move. CEO Steve Bates said: “He will ensure the Catapult helps make the UK a global leader in cell therapy where science is translated into potential treatments for patients.”
Circassia has appointed Brett Haumann as its new CMO.
He joins the firm from GlaxoSmithKline, where he served as VP and medicines development leader responsible for late-stage development of inhaled medicines.
In his new role he will work on the development of the company’s ToleroMune respiratory tech.
CEO Steve Harris said: “With his expertise in respiratory medicine, wide network of opinion leader contacts and proven track record in managing complex Phase III studies, Brett is the ideal person to help Circasia drive its first product to market.”
Fedora Pharmaceuticals has hired Thomas Parr as its first ever CSO.
Previously CSO for Targanta Therapeutics, Parr will work on the firm’s solutions to beta-lactam antibiotics resistance. Beta-lactam antibiotics - like penicillin and cephalosporins - are very commonly used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections.
Speaking to in-PharmaTechnologist.com, Parr said: “The increasing incidence of gram-negative bacterial infections and the rise in resistance to Beta-lactam antibiotics is a tremendous concern in the medical community.
“Fedora is developing a series of compounds - called Beta-lactamase inhibitors. If successful, I believe these Beta-lactamase inhibitors will have great market potential and could save countless lives."
Glenn Noronha has joined Sucampo Pharmaceuticals as VP of research and development (R&D) in the Americas. He will take charge of the overall product portfolio.
Previously, Noronha was CSO for JW Theriac.
“Sucampo will benefit from his experience of taking research findings into the clinic,” said CEO Ryuji Ueno.
Shire has drafted Steven Gillis onto its board of directors.
Currently the MD for Arch Venture Partners, Gillis is an immunologist by training and has authored more than 300 publications in the areas of molecular and tumor immunology.
Chairman, Matt Emmens said of his new appointment: "Steven's pioneering and entrepreneurial approach paired with a deep technical and scientific knowledge will complement the existing skills and outlook of the Shire Board.”
Spectrum Pharmaceuticals has named Amgen veteran Ken Keller its new executive VP and COO.
In his new role he will take charge of all commercial operations, medical and clinical development and pharmaceutical operations.
He joins Spectrum after 21 years at Amgen, most recently as VP and general manager of the Bone Health Business Unit.
Rajesh Shrotriya, Spectrum’s chairman, president and CEO said: “As Spectrum prepares for increased sales of its current product portfolio and introductions of new products, we anticipate Ken's experience will be invaluable.”
