Entries by Michael Kuhrt

Ayoxxa: Bridging the gap

Cologne-based biotech Ayoxxa Biosystems GmbH announces that Rodney Turner has assumed duties as the interim CEO. Prior CEO Andreas Schmidt has stepped down.

Merus: Changes in management

Dutch immuno-oncology company Merus has appointed John Crowley its Chief Financial Officer. Former CFO Shelley Margetson has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer. 

TxCell: Cell engineering virtuoso

French cellular immunotherapy company TxCell has hired ex-Novartis Lab Head Li Zhou to lead its CAR-Treg programmes. Zhou was appointed Vice President Cell Engineering in October.

Targovax: CFO turned CEO

Norwegion immuno-oncology play Targovax has promoted Øystein Soug, previously the company’s Chief Financial Officer, to the role of Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Gunnar Gårdemyr, who has stepped down.

Early Certainty: Quality first!

When the European Patent Office created the Early Certainty Initiative, it looked at the needs of its customers to obtain its IP quickly. However, 25% of all patents granted in Europe come from the life sciences sector where products have long development periods and high failure rates before proof of concept. European Biotechnology spoke with stakeholders from Big Pharma and biotech on how the obligation to examine and grant a patent within 12 months could impact them. 

Stora Enso: Consumer Board leader

Finnish-Swedish biomaterial expert Stora Enso has appointed Annica Bresky as Executive Vice President, Consumer Board division and member of the Group Leadership Team. Bresky joins from Iggesund Paperboard AB, part of the Swedish Holmen Group, where she held the position of President and CEO. 

Icon plc: Rising through the ranks

Irish drug developer Icon plc has announced that, come March 2017, Steve Cutler will take over the leadership of the company. He succeeds Ciaran Murray, who will in turn transition to the role of Chairman of the Board. 

BIST: Distinguished director

Miquel A. Pericàs has taken over as general director of the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST). The chemical engineer has been holding the position of director of the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia since 2000.