Entries by Michael Kuhrt

Enterprise Therapeutics: Vital service

Epidarex Capital-backed respiratory disease start-up Enterprise Therapeutics has named biotech entrepreneur John Ford as its new CEO. Ford previously co-founded Xention, Ario Pharma, and Metrion Biosciences.

Arquer Diagnostics: New head for Dx

Diagnostics company Arquer Diagnostics Ltd (Sunderland, UK) has appointed Nadia Whittley as CEO, replacing Ian Campbell with immediate effect. Whittley will be responsible for launching the company’s MCM5-ELISA diagnostic test and the expanding the technology beyond bladder and prostate cancer. 

Novo Nordisk: Passing the baton

Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, currently executive vice president and head of Corporate Development at Novo Nordisk, will take over the helm of the Danish diabetes major. He takes over from long-time CEO Lars Rebien Sørensen.

From randomised and controlled to clinical reality

The randomised clinical trial (RCT) is the gold standard for drug evaluation. RCTs provide the core for drug development and subsequent drug approval often in the form of rigorously designed efficacy trials in carefully selected subjects. In fact, in- and exclusion criteria are often so restrictive that only 17% of patients from outpatient clinics would be eligible for trials in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

And the world turns

Well, that was a weight off my chest, better out than in, as they say. After Brexit, at least the world will be pulled back into its axis with the election of America’s first woman president and wait a minute, what are you saying? No, that can’t be right he won? Really? REALLY?

Acesion Pharma: New head of finance

Danish biotech Acesion Pharma has hired Jakob Dynnes Hansen as its Chief Financial Officer. He joins from Evolva, a Swiss biotech company, where he has been CFO since 2007.

PharmaMar: Pushing the borders

PharmaMar is driving the expansion of its US operations. To this end, the company has appointed Pascal Besman to the newly created role of Chief Operation Officer of the marine-derived oncology drug developers US subsidiary, PharmaMar US. 

BIA: Three new faces on the board

The BIA has added three new members to the Board of Directors. Calchan CEO Brenda Reynolds (pictured), Immunocore Chief Business Officer Eva-Lotta Allan and Polar Capital’s Partner – Healthcare Dan Mahony will join the board of the British BioIndustry Association from January 2017.