Astellas recruits Big Pharma execs to strengthen US global development team

Astellas Pharma Global Development (APGD), a subsidiary of Japanese drug major Astellas Pharma (TSE: 4503), yesterday welcomed four seasoned industry leaders to its team. New additions include Stephen Eck, as vice president, head of medical oncology, Karen Reeves, as vice president, global head of medical science, Mark Weinberg, as therapeutic area head for central nervous system (CNS) and pain and Bernhardt Zeiher, as vice president, therapeutic area leader of inflammation, immunology and infectious diseases.

"We are proud to have these outstanding professionals on the Astellas team," said Steven Ryder, president of APGD, noting that "their shared experience will add tremendous value to the company and will help accelerate APGD's goal of introducing innovative and valuable new medical treatments."

Below are short career descriptions of each recent hire.