Sanofi’s Dr Eckhard Leifke joins Seattle-based biotech Omeros
pharmafile | August 6, 2018 | Appointment | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Dr Eckhard Leifke, Omeros, Sanofi, Seattle, Takeda
The Seattle-based biotech Omeros have announced that Sanofi’s Dr Eckhard Leifke will join the commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company as Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Development, a position which he will take over from previous Vice President of Clinical Development Dr J Steven Whitaker.
Dr Leifke is set to oversee medical affairs, pharmacovigilance, clinical science and operations as he aims to focus on driving the clinical aspects of Omeros’ MASP-2 antibody – OMS721 towards US and international regulatory approval.
“We’re pleased to welcome Eckhard to our senior leadership team, and I expect that his proven track record and thoughtful approach to strategic drug development globally will be valuable assets for Omeros,” said Dr Gregory A. Demopulos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Omeros. “This important and timely expansion of our clinical team underscores Omeros’ progress and our longstanding commitment to providing cutting-edge therapeutics to patients with disabling and life-threatening disorders.”
With more than 20 years of experience the established doctor’s move mirrors that of Amgen’s former Executive Vice President of Research and Development, Dr Sean Harper who left the California-based multinational earlier this month in order to pursue “opportunities in the early-stage biotechnology community”.
Having graduated with a Medical Doctorate from the University of Freiburg in southwest Germany, Dr Leifke brings to the role a wealth of experience, having built and headed global teams at leading pharmaceutical companies including Bayer, Takeda and Sanofi where he acted as the Global Project Head of Cardiovascular and Metabolism and Global Head/Vice President of Late-Stage Development Diabetes.
Dr Leifke commented: “I am excited to join Omeros’ leadership team. I am impressed by the quality of Omeros’ pipeline and by the sense of urgency within the company to advance these programs to improve the lives of patients. With input from thought leaders and their patients who are affected by the serious conditions for which Omeros is developing novel therapeutics, my top priority is to continue accelerating the company’s clinical programs toward successful commercialization.”
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