News from Dendreon, Shire and Targacept – People on the move
Dendreon Corporation has named Lindsay Rocco its new executive VP of corporate communications.
She joins the biotech from Rx Mosaic Health where she was also senior VP.
John Johnson, chairman, president and CEO said: “Lindsay is a seasoned communicator with a deep understanding of the oncology space and a true passion for Dendreon's mission to help advanced prostate cancer patients lead longer and better lives.”
Alimera Sciences has appointed a new management team to oversee the European commercialisation of its lead product Iluvien – a sustained release intravitreal implant.
Fomrer Bayer UK market access leader Philip Ashman will become senior VP and EU managing director, Pfizer’s Anne-Marie Swift will serve as VP and EU marketing director and Eric Teo will become VP and EU medical director. Previously he was director of global regulatory affairs, health and personal care for Reckitt Benckiser.
Dan Myers, president and CEO said: "We believe their broad pharmaceutical experience, and knowledge of the European ophthalmic market, will be integral to achieving our goal of a successful launch of the product in Europe."
Shire has drafted in Jeff Jonas as president of its Regenerative Medicine (RM) business.
Jonas – who first joined the firm as head of speciality pharmaceuticals research and development (R&D) in 2008 – has also been leading the RM R&D team since 2011.
Senior speciality pharmaceuticals team member Arnaud Partiot will take on Jonas’ previous role in the department.
CEO Angus Russell said: "We are pleased with the progress we are making in transforming our Regenerative Medicine business. Jeff's insight and experience will enable us to build on this as we shape this business for future growth.”
Stephen Hill is set to become the new president and CEO of Targacept.
Previously president and CEO of ArQule, Hill is also currently non-executive chairman at Novelos Therapeutics and Audeo Oncology.
Of his new role, he said: “I believe there is tremendous potential at Targacept to build upon a strong scientific and financial foundation and a promising clinical portfolio to deliver new treatment options to patients in need.”
Alliqua has hired Joseph Laudano as VP of medical affairs.
In his new role, the Roche veteran will support the market expansion of Alliqua's SilverSeal hydrogel products as well as other future clinical developments.
“Joe has extensive experience in some key therapeutic areas such as dermatology and infectious diseases, which I believe align nicely with Alliqua's future needs as we build this organisation," said James Sapirstein, CEO.
Malcolm McColl has been named Viralytics CEO. He joins from Starpharma where he was VP.
Starpharma Vice President and respected biotechnology professional Dr Malcolm McColl has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Viralytics Limited (ASX:VLA).
Viralytics executive chairman Paul Hopper said: “Viralytics is at an important stage in its development and we’re determined to do everything we can to maximise value for shareholders. Every good chairman knows that a strong CEO appointment is essential in enabling the value inflexions.”
