Acadia names former Amgen exec as new head of R&D

San Diego, USA-based drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ACAD) has appointed Dr Elizabeth Thompson as executive vice president, head of R&D.

Dr Thompson will lead research and development at Acadia and serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team, reporting to Steve Davis, chief executive of Acadia.

“Liz is a preeminent drug research and development leader with extensive experience in the advancement and commercialization of first in class therapies,” said Mr Davis, adding: “Her passion and expertise for developing new medicines that address areas of high unmet need will be a huge asset to Acadia and an important addition to our executive leadership team. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to advance our early and late stage assets in rare disease and central nervous system disorders and pursue opportunities to further expand our pipeline of medicines.”