Medivir has named board member Niklas Prager as the company’s new CEO replacing Maris Hartmanis.
Prager, who has served on the board of the Swedish biopharma since May 2014, will assume his new position on September 1, 2014.
Birgitta Stymne Göransson, chairman of the board of directors of Medivir, said: “Niklas has a background in both biotech and big pharma, and his large network of contacts in the Swedish and international pharmaceutical industries make him an ideal choice for us.
“Niklas will in particular be able to contribute and strengthen Medivir in the important areas of strategic business development and commercialisation.”
Prager’s previous companies include Merck & Co, where he served in both the US and Sweden. His other roles include CEO of Pfizer’s business in Sweden.
Commenting on his new position, he highlighted Medivir’s work with Johnson & Johnson to develop the hepatitis C treatment Olysio (simeprevir).
“Medivir is an attractive company in an exciting phase of its development following the successful market introduction of simeprevir,” he said.
“An update of Medivir’s strategic plan is the number one priority, and work on this is already well under way.”