Human Genome Sciences lures Celgene exec to help in European launch of Benlysta; Sanofi-Aventis announces executive moves in Asia

Maryland, USA-based Human Genome Sciences revealed last Friday that it has hired former Celgene regional vice president Tuomo Patsi as vice president of HGS Europe. He will be responsible for European sales, marketing and medical affairs across the HGS product portfolio, and will report to Barry Labinger, executive VP and chief commercial officer.

'Tuomo Patsi will play a lead role in building and leading the HGS organization in Europe. This organization will work alongside GlaxoSmithKline to launch Benlysta (belimumab) for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, assuming regulatory approvals, and it will be a major step towards establishing our capability to commercialize potential future products in Europe independently,' said Mr Labinger.

Mr Patsi was one of the first employees in Celgene's European commercial organization, which was established in 2006 in anticipation of the launch of Revlimid (lenalidomide), an important treatment for multiple myeloma. He was with Amgen for 11 years, and held product management and clinical research positions in Europe with Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Eli Lilly.