BRIEF—Biogen promotes Priya Singhal

US biotech major Biogen says that Dr Priya Singhal, currently head of global safety and regulatory sciences and interim head of research and development (R&D), has been promoted to the post of executive vice president, head of development.

The move follows the company’s decision to separate research and development into two distinct functions that will both report directly to Biogen’s chief executive.

In addition, Biogen has initiated a search for a new executive VP president, head of Research; Dr Singhal will serve as interim head of research until a new leader is named.

“Throughout her tenure at Biogen, Priya has demonstrated excellent leadership and judgement. In this new role, Priya will focus on delivering on our development programs while working closely with a new dedicated head of Research to strengthen Biogen’s translational science capabilities,” said Christopher Viehbacher, president and chief executive of Biogen.

“We believe having two dedicated leaders will enhance productivity in bringing to patients worldwide medicines to treat some of the most challenging diseases, while assuring better risk management and resource stewardship,” he added.