Pharma POOL
David Albachten
Novo Nordisk promotes senior executive to VP, managed care, trade and government
Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc. has promoted David Albachten to VP, managed care, trade and government. Mr. Albachten was associate VP. Martin Soeters, Novo Nordisk president says: “The success of our managed care, trade, and government department is critical to the overall success of the company, particularly since we have expanded our salesforce to 600. David has done an outstanding job leading this group since joining the company in January." During the past six months, Mr. Albachten has spearheaded the reorganization and expansion of his department, which resulted in the promotion of several directors and the hiring of a new director and 11 new account executives. Mr. Albachten restructured the group by creating separate managed care, trade, and government functions and accountabilities, blending national and regional account responsibilities, and creating a strategic services group to manage pricing and pharmacoeconomic issues. Mr. Albachten received a Master’s degree in hospital/health services administration from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition science/biochemistry from the University of California. Hideo Fukumoto Fujisawa Healthcare appoints new CEO Fujisawa Healthcare Inc. has appointed Hideo Fukumoto to CEO. Mr. Fukumoto, president of Fujisawa Healthcare since April 2001, takes over as CEO from Noboru Maeda. Mr. Maeda is returning to Japan, but will continue in his position as chairman. Mr. Maeda also serves as corporate executive VP at Fujisawa Healthcare’s parent company Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Osaka, Japan. Before his U.S. appointment, Mr. Fukumoto held the position of corporate VP, business development, ethical pharmaceuticals at the parent company. In his more than 30 years at Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Mr. Fukumoto has held various positions in business development, R&D planning, new product acquisition, and licensing and clinical research. Walt C. Jones Carrington names president of consumer products subsidiary Walt C. Jones has been named president of Caraloe Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Carrington Laboratories Inc. Caraloe produces and sells raw materials and consumer products. Mr. Jones joins Carrington with 25 years experience in executive management, marketing, and sales positions primarily in the natural products and raw materials industries. As Caraloe’s top executive, Mr. Jones leads the market development efforts for the company’s proprietary raw materials, Manapol for use in nutraceutical products, and Hydrapol, for use in cosmetic products. Additionally, Mr. Jones heads the sales and marketing efforts for the company’s nutraceutical and consumer products sold under the AloeCeuticals and Snow & Sun brand names. Mr. Jones most recently served as VP of New Hope Natural Media’s Healthwell.com division. “Walt is a strategic thinker; he knows how to deal with government and medical agencies, how to design and launch products, how to build sales, and how to protect the bottom line," says Carlton Turner, Carrington’s president and CEO. Biotech POOL Dr. Barbara Finck Eos Biotechnology name VP, clinical development Barbara K. Finck, M.D., has joined Eos Biotechnology Inc. as VP, clinical development. In this position, she is responsible for building and managing the team to clinically develop the company’s therapeutic antibodies for treating cancers and other diseases. Dr. Finck was most recently medical director at Immunex Corp., where she was responsible for clinical development of Enbrel for treating rheumatoid arthritis. In that role, she contributed to the successful development and marketing of Enbrel by designing and implementing clinical studies that resulted in regulatory approvals, including expanded use for adults and children. Dr. Finck received her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. “Barbara’s experience and proven skills in preparing pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals for the market will be essential to Eos, as we move from drug discovery to clinical development of our first product candidates," says David W. Martin, M.D., president and CEO. Hans-Peter Hasler Biogen appoints Executive VP, commercial operations Biogen Inc. announced that Hans-Peter Hasler has been appointed executive VP, commercial operations. Mr. Hasler reports to James C. Mullen, president and CEO. Mr. Hasler joins Biogen from Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of American Home Products Corp., where he worked for eight years, serving since 1998 as senior VP, head of global strategic marketing. Mr. Hasler also was a member of the Wyeth/AHP executive committee and was chair of the commercial council. From 1993 to 1998, Mr. Hasler served in senior management capacities, including managing director, Wyeth Group, Germany, and general manager AHP/Wyeth in Switzerland and Central Eastern Europe. Before joining Wyeth-Ayerst, Mr. Hasler was head of pharma division at Abbott AG, Zug, Switzerland. “We are very excited to have Hans-Peter Hasler join our senior management team in this newly created position," Mr. Mullen says. “He brings to Biogen a record of accomplishment in a diverse, international pharmaceutical environment. He has demonstrated the critical operating and strategic skills in building and leading an organization across multifunctional, multicultural teams, which we believe, will accelerate Biogen’s global commercial growth well into the future." Jeffrey V. Pirone Antex Biologics names executive VP and chief financial officer Antex Biologics Inc. has appointed Jeffrey V. Pirone executive VP and chief financial officer. As CFO, Mr. Pirone assumes responsibility for the company’s financial matters, including banking, investor relations, treasury, accounting, and various corporate administrative functions. “We are excited to add Jeff Pirone to Antex’s senior management team," says Vic Esposito, chairman and CEO. “Jeff’s management experience is a major addition as we continue to advance Antex and its products toward commercialization. His experience with a highly successfully technology company should facilitate our efforts to strengthen Antex’s infrastructure. In addition, his expertise in working with financial and capital markets will greatly add to our program to increase shareholder value." Mr. Pirone joins Antex with about 20 years of financial experience in the technology industries. Before joining Antex, Mr. Pirone served as executive VP and CFO of Orbital Sciences Corp. “I look forward to contributing to the success of Antex, as we further develop and commercialize a range of antibiotic and vaccine products," Mr. Pirone says. “I am impressed with the robustness of the company’s technology, the market potential of its products, and the strength of the scientific and management team. This combination should lead to success." Dr. David Shapiro Idun Pharmaceuticals appoints executive VP and chief medical officer Idun Pharmaceuticals Inc. has appointed David Shapiro, M.D., to the position of executive VP and chief medical officer. Dr. Shapiro is responsible for overseeing the development of drug candidates as well as the design and management of Idun’s clinical-trial programs. “The addition of Dr. Shapiro to the Idun team will play a key role as our product development and clinical research rapidly expand," says Dr. Steve Mento, president and CEO of Idun Pharmaceuticals. “His expertise and experience in selecting clinical candidates and executing clinical strategy will lead to broadening our product line." Before joining Idun, Dr. Shapiro managed a consulting company, Integrated Quality Resources, where he provided strategic and development services to clients ranging from large pharmaceutical to small privately held biotechnology and device companies. Dr. Shapiro received his medical degree from Dundee University in the U.K. He undertook additional training at the University Hospitals in Oxford and at the University of Vermont, where he was awarded a Fellowship from the American Heart Association. Craig A. Wheeler Chiron appoints new president of Chiron BioPharmaceuticals Chiron Corp. named Craig A. Wheeler, 40, as president of Chiron BioPharmaceuticals, a fully integrated business unit of the California-based biotechnology company. Based in Emeryville, Calif., Mr. Wheeler is responsible for the commercial operations of Chiron’s biopharmaceuticals business. He reports to Sean Lance, Chiron’s chairman and CEO, and serves as a member of Chiron’s executive committee. As VP of The Boston Consulting Group since 1995, he was a senior member of the company’s healthcare practice and a key contributor to the company’s practice in pharmaceutical capabilities, hospital strategy, and disease management. Before joining The Boston Consulting Group in 1988, Mr. Wheeler served as senior engineer in process development for Merck & Co. Inc. He holds a Bachelor’s of science degree and a Master’s of science degree in chemical engineering from Cornell University and an Master’s of business administration from the Wharton School. Drug Delivery POOL Dr. David J. Livingston Spherics appoints president and CEO Spherics Inc., a developer of bioadhesive-based oral drug delivery systems, has appointed David J. Livingston, Ph.D., as president and CEO. Dr. Livingston brings to Spherics more than 19 years of senior management and research expertise, most recently at the Slater Center for Biomedical Technology. Previously he was at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Genzyme Corp., and Praelux Inc. Ben Bronstein, M.D., who served as interim president and CEO of Spherics, remains as a director of the company. He also is a venture partner at Zero Stage Capital. Emerging Pharma POOL Ellen S. Baron, Ph.D. Human Genome Sciences names senior VP, business development Human Genome Sciences Inc. has appointed Ellen S. Baron, Ph.D., to the position of senior VP, business development. Dr. Baron reports directly to William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., chairman and CEO. Dr. Baron also is a member of the operating committee of the company. In her new position, Dr. Baron will work with the company’s leadership team to grow and develop the strategic alliances, partnerships, and acquisitions needed to build a global, fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Baron has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including expertise in translating basic science into commercial products. Dr. Baron served previously as senior director, business development/biotechnology, at Schering-Plough Corp. Dr. Baron says, “I believe Human Genome Sciences is at the forefront of the revolutionary dynamics taking place in the practice of medicine through the use of human genomic information, the establishment of biological knowledge and intellectual property, and the commercialization of potential gene-based therapeutic and regenerative medicine products. I look forward to working with the management and scientific teams to create a business development strategy that will build on the company’s unique vision." Human Genome Sciences develops gene-based therapeutics. Dr. Richard E. Chipkin New CEO named to lead Psychiatric Genomics Inc. Psychiatric Genomics Inc., which uses gene-pathways analysis to discover novel therapeutic agents to treat mental health disorders, has appointed Richard E. Chipkin, Ph.D., as CEO. Dr. Chipkin joins Psychiatric Genomics from Schering-Plough Corp., where he most recently served in the global business development group. Dr. Chipkin spent more than 20 years at Schering-Plough. During the past eight years, he was responsible for global product licensing and acquisition in multiple therapeutic areas. Dr. Chipkin received his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the Medical College of Virginia. He did post-doctoral work at the University of Colorado Medical Center. Lawrence A. Gyenes New executive VP and CFO lands at Reliant Pharmaceuticals Reliant Pharmaceuticals LLC has appointed Lawrence A. Gyenes to the position of executive VP and chief financial officer. With a background in pharmaceutical and consumer products and services companies, Mr. Gyenes brings more than 29 years of experience in finance to the company. “Larry’s financial and operational experience in the industry, together with his extensive financial leadership in the public equity markets, fit well with our near-term plans to fund Reliant’s fast-paced growth," says Irwin Lerner, CEO of Reliant. Mr. Gyenes spent 15 years with G.D. Searle & Co. and Lorex Pharmaceuticals, a Searle joint venture with Sanofi-Synthelabo, in a variety of financial and operational positions. Most recently, Mr. Gyenes served as an independent advisor to DuPont Pharmaceuticals. Mr. Gyenes has an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Chicago Executive Program. Dr. Jeffrey R. Latts Exelixis appoints chief medical officer Jeffrey R. Latts, M.D., has joined Exelixis Inc. to serve as chief medical officer and senior VP, responsible for clinical development. Dr. Latts brings considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical trials and 20 years of industry, FDA, and international drug development, and approval experience to the Exelixis drug development team. “Jeff’s extensive experience in designing and implementing early-stage through late-stage clinical trials for cancer and other diseases adds an important component to Exelixis’ aggressive plans for product development," says George A. Scangos, Ph.D., president and CEO. “His experience will be invaluable in achieving smooth integration of the clinical development of our new Phase I/II rebeccamycin analogue and in the rapid advancement of our proprietary programs that are nearing the development stage." Dr. Latts joins Exelixis, a genomics-based drug discovery company, from Berlex Laboratories, where he served as VP of clinical research and development and corporate chief medical officer. Irwin Lerner New CEO of Reliant Pharmaceuticals Reliant Pharmaceuticals LLC has appointed Irwin Lerner to the newly created position of CEO. “Over the past year and a half, I have worked very closely with Irwin in his capacity as a member of the Reliant board of managers," says Joseph Krivulka, president and co-founder of Reliant. “His energy, knowledge, experience, insight, and input have been invaluable in building Reliant to the company it is today." Mr. Lerner is the retired chairman of executive committee of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., where he served as president and CEO from 1980 to 1992. Debra Liebert VP of corporate development named by Atairgin Technologies Atairgin Technologies Inc., dedicated to improving the quality of care in women’s health, has appointed Debra K. Liebert as VP of corporate development. Ms. Liebert is responsible for directing business development activities, including establishing corporate partnerships and leading the development of strategic planning. She will report to Patrick D. Walsh, CEO of Atairgin. “With extensive experience in corporate development as well as in drug discovery and development, Debra brings considerable business and industry expertise to our team as our research and clinical trials move us closer to commercialization," Mr. Walsh says. Ms. Liebert, 45, comes to Atairgin with more than 19 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, most recently as VP of corporate development at Lion Bioscience Inc., formerly Trega Biosystems, where she was instrumental in the successful merger and integration of the two companies. Before Lion Bioscience, Ms. Liebert was director, clinical research, at Gensia Inc., where she oversaw the design and implementation of investigational and marketed clinical research. She also held positions at the Institute for Biological Research & Development and Merck & Co. Inc. Ms. Liebert earned a Bachelor of science degree in chemistry at Clarion University in larion, Pa. She earned a Master of science in pharmacology/toxicology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and a Master of Business Administration degree at the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles. Michael J. Martin Vasogen appoints VP of marketing Vasogen Inc. has named Michael J. Martin to the newly created position of VP, marketing. Mr. Martin is responsible for marketing, reimbursement, and product launch activities for Vasogen’s immune modulation therapy, in collaboration with strategic partners. Mr. Martin has more than 15 years experience in the development, launch, and marketing of a number of novel immunological agents for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune disease. He most recently held the position of global business director, immunology and oncology, for BASF Pharma, formerly Knoll Pharmaceuticals. Before joining BASF, Mr. Martin held senior sales and marketing positions at Hoffmann-La Roche, including product director, cardiovascular marketing. Vasogen is focused on developing immune modulation therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and related inflammatory diseases. These therapies are designed to target fundamental disease-causing events, providing safe, effective treatment. Stephen R. Seiler Hybridon appoints CEO Hybridon Inc. has appointed Stephen R. Seiler CEO effective Sept. 1, 2001. Mr. Seiler also has been elected a member of the board. Previously, Mr. Seiler, 45, served as executive VP, planning investment and development, at Elan Corp. Plc., and was based in Elan’s Dublin, Ireland, headquarters. Before joining Elan, he had served as head of pharmaceutical investment banking at Paribas in London. Mr. Seiler holds a J.D. from Georgetown University. “Steve’s joining us culminates an extraordinary year for Hybridon," says James B. Wyngaarden, MD, Hybridon’s chairman. “We have successfully repositioned the company by simplifying the balance sheet, increasing liquidity through the sale of non-core assets, and entering into an important licensing agreement with Isis Pharmaceuticals. We are now positioned to move forward in advancing the clinical trials and converting the diverse technology platforms at Hybridon into products." Hybridon is involved in the discovery and development of novel genetic medicines, based on advanced synthetic DNA chemistries. Vida Shafiee InterMune appoints VP of international business operations Vida Shafiee has been named VP of international business operations at InterMune Inc. “Vida’s broad knowledge of international business operations is invaluable as InterMune commercializes its products worldwide," says W. Scott Harkonen, M.D., president and CEO of InterMune. “Vida will lead our international efforts through the formation of strategic partnerships with key distributors and by obtaining additional regulatory approvals abroad." Ms. Shafiee joins InterMune after seven years with Johnson & Johnson and four years with Baxter Inc. While with Johnson & Johnson, Ms. Shafiee served as a marketing director focused on sales and marketing strategy, distributor management, and business development in international markets. Ms. Shafiee holds a B.S. from the University of Utah. InterMune develops and commercializes innovative products for the treatment of serious pulmonary and infectious diseases and cancer. Dr. Edward Swabb Myriad names senior VP and head of development Myriad Genetics Inc. has named Edward A. Swabb, M.D., Ph.D., senior VP and head of development of its subsidiary, Myriad Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Swabb is responsible for all of Myriad’s therapeutic programs, from preclinical and clinical studies through regulatory approval. Dr. Swabb joins Myriad Pharmaceuticals from Pharmacia Corp., where he was executive director of clinical research. As such, Dr. Swabb led the review of clinical safety data that enabled the worldwide regulatory approval of Celebrex. He directed, with a corporate partner, the design and implementation of Phase II and III global studies of tifacogin, a cardiovascular biologic agent, in severe sepsis patients. During his 15-year career with Pharmacia/Searle, Dr. Swabb directed clinical research in multiple therapeutic areas, leading to the registration of Cytotec, Arthrotec, and Maxaquin, including statistics and clinical data management, clinical drug safety, and clinical pharmacology, building a strong background in all aspects of guiding drugs through clinical trials and global registration. Dr. Swabb earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, his Ph.D. and his Master’s degree from the University of Delaware, and his Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Vanderbilt University. “As we advance our lead product — which is in Phase II clinical development for the treatment of prostate cancer — through the clinic and enter human trials with additional compounds, Dr. Swabb’s extensive background and experience in preclinical and clinical development will prove invaluable," says Adrian Hobden, Ph.D., president of Myriad Pharmaceuticals. Myriad Genetics Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutic products derived from its proprietary genomic and proteomic technologies. Service POOL John Emery Ventiv Health hires new chief financial officer Ventiv Health Inc., a leading provider of comprehensive marketing and sales solutions to the healthcare industry, appointed John Emery, 44, to the position of chief financial officer. Mr. Emery is applying his 20-plus years of proven success and leadership in finance and operations to improving Ventiv’s operational and financial performance. From 1997 to 2000, he was chief financial officer of MedQuist Inc. As chief financial officer, Mr. Emery’s responsibilities encompass all financial and administrative functions, including investor relations, human resources, and information technology. He will be instrumental in managing communications with the investment community and providing guidance on the company’s financial expectations. Mark Levine Datatrak International appoints new executive VP of global marketing and sales Mark Levine, with more than 25 years experience in the pharmaceutical and CRO industry joins Datatrak International Inc., a service provider in the electronic data capture industry to the newly created position of executive VP of global marketing and sales. Mr. Levine is charged with directing and expanding Datatrak’s worldwide marketing and sales team and working toward building high-level relationships within the pharmaceutical and CRO sectors to communicate the overall value proposition of electronic data capture to the clinical trials marketplace. Mr. Levine reports directly to company President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey A. Green. “Mark’s experience as a project leader at two large pharmaceutical companies and most recently in a senior executive sales capacity at two of the leading CROs will assist greatly in continuing to promulgate our corporate message," Dr. Green says. Stuart Piltch Integra Inc. announces new CEO Integra Inc., a provider of health management solutions, has appointed Stuart Piltch as president and CEO. Before joining Integra, Mr. Piltch was founder and managing director of Global Benefits Solutions (GBS). “We are very confident that the expertise, and leadership which Stuart brings to Integra will help us to continue expanding our existing business as well as building an integrated health management solutions company," says Shawkat Raslan, Integra’s chairman. “Under Mr. Piltch’s leadership Integra will combine the consulting services of GBS, compensation, benefit, retirement, and actuarial services with outcomes and disease management services focused around the link between behavioral and physical health — creating a unique provider of health management services aimed at measuring and improving corporate productivity." Both Integra and GBS use and develop proprietary clinical assessment tools to illustrate the co-morbidity rate of physical and behavioral health as a key indicator of a population’s health status. “The EAP field is undergoing fundamental changes," Mr. Piltch says. “The addition of services like work life benefits are a sign our clients want and need more from us. We are becoming more of a core benefit for employers. They are expecting us to demonstrate value; a quantifiable return on their investment in us, by providing them needed risk assessment, management, and avoidance tools. They are clearly expecting us to reach out, know the employee population, and provide unparalleled service." Diane Throop PharMetrics names new VP of research and development PharMetrics Inc., a leading provider of patient level healthcare data to the bio-pharmaceutical and managed-care industries, has appointed Diane Throop as VP, research and development. Ms. Throop has 20 years of experience in information services, decision support application technology, and analytics. Previously, Ms. Throop served as VP at MediQual Systems Inc. where she directed the company’s R&D unit. During her 12-year tenure at MediQual, Ms. Throop’s focus was in the research, design, development, and commercialization of the company’s clinical outcomes and benchmarking solutions. Ms. Throop’s extensive healthcare experience includes work across provider, managed-care, employer, pharmaceutical, and government sectors. Most recently, she served as a management consultant for Bain and Co., where she focused on strategy, operations, and technology assessment initiatives within the software and insurance industries. Ms. Throop holds a B.S. in mathematics from M.I.T., an M.S. in statistics from Colorado State, and an MBA from M.I.T.’s Sloan School. “PharMetrics has developed a solid core of healthcare information, technology, and analytic capabilities," Ms. Throop says. “My objective will be to leverage and expand our research and development agenda, and ensure our innovation continues to provide leading-edge solutions for our customers." Agency POOL George Glatcz Gerbig, Snell/Weisheimer promotes senior VP Gerbig, Snell/Weisheimer & Associates has promoted George Glatcz from VP/account director to senior VP. He continues to lead GSW’s critical-care accounts and has management responsibility over Health Process Management, an inChord Communications Inc. data analytics and management company based in Doylestown, Pa. Before taking on GSW’s critical-care business, he managed account teams for several of the agency’s anti-depressant products. Before joining GSW, Mr. Glatcz held a variety of senior management positions within the pharmaceutical industry. He was VP, strategic and corporate development, for Medicalliance, where he directed new business development, internal and external strategic planning, and corporate development. He also served as director of the global cardiovascular franchise at Monsanto, where he managed all aspects of marketing and clinical development for products within the cardiovascular portfolio. He also has held positions at Boehringer Mannheim. He received a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a Master’s degree of pharmaceutical science from the University of New Mexico. Tom Kempisty, Emily Lomicky, and Michael Scott National account growth merits key hires at Roska Direct Responding to growth on several national accounts, Roska Direct recently added Tom Kempisty, Emily Lomicky, and Michael Scott to its award-winning team. Mr. Kempisty joined the agency as director/account management. He comes to Roska Direct from MedCases Inc., where he was VP, marketing and sales. At Roska Direct, Mr. Kempisty is applying his business acumen in the healthcare industry to the agency’s list of pharmaceutical clients, which includes AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, and Aventis Pasteur. Ms. Lomicky comes to Roska Direct from Commerce One, where she was an information technology consultant. She joins the agency as a Web developer. In that role, Ms. Lomicky handles the planning, architecture, development, and project management for the technology interests of Roska Direct’s pharmaceutical and business-to-business accounts. Mr. Scott joins the agency as senior copywriter from Harte-Hanks Direct. Lisa Ruo Marketing veteran joins Dudnyk Healthcare Group as VP Lisa Ruo has joined Dudnyk Healthcare Group as VP, account supervisor. She provides account management oversight for the healthcare agency’s Philadelphia-area office. With nearly two decades of direct-to-consumer, direct-to-physician, and relational database marketing and sales experience, Ms. Ruo has worked with many major healthcare, biotech, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, including Allergan, Boehringer Mannheim, Novartis, and Genentech. She has managed successful multi-million dollar marketing campaigns in major therapeutic areas such as allergies, asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, gastroenterology, and women’s health. Ms. Ruo began her career as a copywriter for Union Fidelity Life Insurance Co. She then spent 16 years with Harte-Hanks/DiMark, holding numerous positions, most recently as VP of pharmaceutical marketing strategy and development. “Lisa fits in perfectly with our strategic approach to pharmaceutical and healthcare marketing that breaks through the market clutter and results in a positive return on investment for our clients," says Nina Goodheart, president of Dudnyk Healthcare Group. “I joined Dudnyk because of the agency’s truly unique positioning in the pharmaceutical marketing industry," Ms. Ruo says. “I enjoy being a part of cutting-edge strategic planning and breakthrough creative execution. My colleagues are not afraid to take chances and think in distinctively different ways." Please send your personnel announcements to [email protected].