News from Sucampo, Tranzyme, and Next Pharma – People on the move
Sucampo has named George Deener as its new VP of marketing, strategy and implementation for its subsidiary firm Sucampo Pharma Americas (SPA).
Deener joins the firm from Tennessee, US, company GTx, where he was was VP, marketing and sales.
In his new role he will be responsible for marketing Sucampo's approved drugs and its pipeline compounds.
“We are pleased to welcome George and believe that he will assist us in maximizing the value of our approved drugs and our pipeline compounds. I believe that his contributions will help Sucampo get to the next level,” said Ryuji Ueno, Sucampo chairman and CEO.
Tranzyme Pharma has appointed George Abercrombie to its board of directors as well as its nominating corporate governance committee.
His 30 year career includes his role as president and CEO ay Hoffmann-La Roche, where he led the North American pharmaceutical operations.
Abercrombie also serves on the board for Brickell Biotech.
“Goerge’s proven industry experience in pharmaceutical product development and commercial operations will be a tremendous asset to our Board and management team as we advance our two late-stage product candidates and transition toward commercial-stage operations," said Vipin Garg, Tranzyme's president and CEO.
Franck Latrille is set to replace Bill Wedlake as Next Pharma’s new CEO.
Latrille previously held several executive board positions at Merck-Serono SA, including deputy CEO and EVP marketing and sales.
Wedlake, who is working closely with Franck to ensure a smooth transition process, has been with the company since its inception in July 2000.
David Finnigan of Sun European Partners, NextPharma’s shareholder, said: “NextPharma is in a tremendous position to extend its share of the outsourcing market and its board of directors is pleased to be able to appoint an executive with Frank’s experience and track record to lead NextPharma to its next stage of growth and development.”
Theracrine has appointed Steven Kelly as president and CEO.
Before Theracrine, Kelly was the chief commercial officer for oncolytic virus specialists BioVex, and was responsible for leading the company's commercial efforts.
David Berry, founder and chairman of the firm, said: “Theracrine is breaking new ground as it develops the next generation of cancer therapeutics.
“Steve's experience in bringing previous generations of breakthrough cancer drugs to market makes him an ideal fit to lead the company.”
BioScale has drafted Riccardo Pigliucci on to its board of directors.
Most recently, Riccardo was the lead director on the board of Dionex – recently acquired by Thermo Fisher for in a $2B deal.
Of his appointment to BioScale, he said: “The Company is poised to make substantial contributions to protein research. Its cutting edge technology is a scientific breakthrough which has the ability to change the paradigm for protein measurement across the drug development and diagnostic industries.”
Medivir AB – an emerging research-based company specialising in infectious diseases – has appointed Maris Hartmanis as new president and CEO.
Hartmanis was appointed deputy CEO and COO of Medivir following Medivir’s acquisition of BioPhausia earlier this year.
He replaces Ron Long, who has been President and CEO of Medivir since 2009.
Chairman of the board, Göran Pettersson, said: “Through the appointment of Maris Hartmanis as CEO, we secure an appropriate succession of the leadership of Medivir and a continued positive development of Medivir as a research-based specialty pharmaceutical company.”
