New head of oncology for Astellas Pharma Europe
pharmafile | August 16, 2011 | Appointment | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | appointment, research and development, sales and marketing
Astellas Pharma has appointed Dr Christopher Thomson as executive director of its new European Oncology Unit.
Dr Thomson will lead Astellas Pharma Europe’s development of the unit, which forms a core part of the company’s mid-term management plan for the period 2010-15.
He will take up the newly-created position after three years as director of business development for the European section of the company.
Dr Thomson said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to spearhead Astellas Pharma Europe’s move into oncology, an area in which I believe we have the expertise, resources and relationships to make a real contribution to creating a brighter future for patients.
“We have already started to build relationships with oncologists in Europe through our promotion of Eligard for prostate cancer and have recently entered into a licensing agreement to expand the territories in which we commercialise the product.”
Ken Jones, president and chief executive of Astellas Europe, said: “We are excited that Chris will be heading up this vitally important area.
“He has been involved in key negotiations with our partners and we are committed to developing a portfolio of treatments urgently to fulfil the unmet medical needs that exist in oncology.”
Dr Thomson has a degree in Bacteriology and a PhD in medical microbiology from Edinburgh University, where he held several research positions prior to being appointed Domagk Lecturer in Chemotherapy.
He started his career in the pharma industry as a sales representative with Schwarz Pharmaceuticals before gaining senior positions within Bayer at an affiliate and global level, later working for analysts IMS Health.
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