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Biogen announces leadership updates

Published on: 9 Oct 2019

Biogen have announced updates to it senior leadership team with Alfred Sandrock being named Executive Vice President of Research and Development in addition to his responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer. Additionally Alphonse Galdes has been appointed as Executive Vice President of Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology.

In a statement, Michel Vounatsos, Chief Executive Officer at Biogen, said: “Both AI and Alphonse are seasoned and respected leaders at Biogen. Their accomplishment in the scientific community is well-recognised.

“I’m pleased we have the benefit of their long-standing experience and proven track-record, which will be instrumental as we aim to sustain leadership in our core MS business and expand our neuroscience portfolio.”

With Michael D. Ehlers deciding to step down from the position as Executive Vice President of Research and Development, he added: “I also want to thank Mike for his significant contributions and for the substantial progress made in our pipeline during his three years at Biogen. He has transformed the R&D organisation and I believe he has built the best neuroscience team in the industry.”

Ehlers himself said: “"I am very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved in the past three years.  With nine read-outs expected by the end of 2020, I believe Biogen is in a unique position to bring breakthroughs in neuroscience and I am confident in the team in place to realize the full potential of a significantly expanded pipeline. 

“I believe it is the right time to pass the baton, and I am excited about taking on a new challenge in venture capital and biotech with the same broad goal of converting differentiated science into meaningful medicines for patients.”

Sandrock has served on Biogen’s Executive Committee since 2015 and was named Chief Medical Officer in 2012. Since joining the company in 1998, he has held several senior executive positions including Senior Vice President of Development Science as well as Neurology Research.

Alphonse Galdes has served on the Executive Committee beginning last month and since joining Biogen in 1995 has also held several senior positions, most recently being Senior Vice President of Asset Development and Portfolio Management from November 2015