News from Incline, Tonix, and ABPI – People on the move

in-PharmaTechnologist presents the latest job moves in the pharmaceutical industry including news from Incline, Tonix, and ABPI.

Incline Therapeutics has appointed John Tucker as senior VP and chief commercial officer.

In his new role, Tucker will take charge of the sales, marketing and commercial operations.

Previously he worked for AMAG Pharmaceuticals in the same role.

Alan Levy, CEO said: "His extensive hospital sales and marketing experience and his demonstrated track record of outstanding commercial leadership will be pivotal to the future success of the company.”

Tonix has drafted Samuel Saks onto its board of directors.

Formerly the CEO of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, during his career Saks’ has also been company group chairman of ALZA and a member of the J&J operating committee.

Seth Lederman, chairman and president said: “Sam brings a phenomenal track record of successfully developing important prescription medications.”

Neil Weir has joined the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s (ABPI) innovation board.

Weir is currently the VP of discovery at UCB. He replaces John Stageman who decided to retire in April.

Stephen Whitehead, chief executive of the ABPI, said: “With Neil’s introduction the ABPI is taking the opportunity to strengthen the link between our innovation board and our board of management. Supporting and encouraging innovation is the key role of our innovation board, but it is also a key consideration for the ABPI as a whole.”

In a statement, the organisation also said Weir would help expand the British pharmaceutical industry’s reputation over the world.

Antisense has “internationalised” its management board after hiring Philippe Calais as CEO.

During his career, he has worked for Big Pharma firms including Hofmann La-Roche and ICI Pharmaceuticals

The firm says the appointment of French-born Calaiswill boost its “expertise in international medicinal product development and commercialisation.”

Chief Medical Officer Hubert Heinrichs said: “Dr. Calais has valuable experience in the creation of strategic partnerships and alliances in the biotech sector. His expertise in biotech organisation management makes him the ideal executive for Antisense Pharma.”

Galena Biopharma has placed Robert Figlin onto its scientific advisory board (SAB).

He is also currently the associate director of the academic development program and director of the division of hematology and oncology at Cedars-Sinai's Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute.

He joins the novel cancer therapy developer as it prepares to advance several of its cancer treatements.

Rosemary Mazanet, executive VP and chief medical officer said: "We look forward to his input and guidance as we reach the next level of success with our oncology treatments."

George Demetri has become a clinical advisor and member of the scientific advisory board for Blueprint Medicines.

Demetri is also senior VP for experimental therapeutics at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute inBoston.

His appointment follows the personalised oncology treatment firm’s re-shuffle of it’s management team.

Chris Varma, president and CEO, said: "Dr. Demetri brings significant experience in cancer research and drug development that is a perfect complement to our founding and internal team at Blueprint Medicines.”