Biogen poaches Pfizer exec as its new head of R&D

US biotech major Biogen (Nasdaq: BIIB) has lured Michael Ehlers, a senior vice president at pharma giant Pfizer, to become its executive vice president, Research and Development.

Dr Ehlers will oversee Biogen’s global research, drug discovery, clinical development, and medical affairs functions, defining the strategic direction for the company’s R&D organization and leading its efforts to develop therapies for patients with few or no treatment options. He will report to George Scangos, chief executive, and will be a member of the Biogen management team. He will begin his tenure at Biogen in late May.

“I am thrilled to have Mike join us,” said Dr Scangos, explaining: “We conducted a thorough, global search, and I am convinced that we have found the right leader to build on our already outstanding R&D team. Mike is a brilliant neuroscientist, having made major contributions to our understanding of the biology of neurons; he is an established R&D leader who has excelled in both academic and corporate settings; and he has demonstrated the ability to translate science into important new medicines.”