Former CEO of Santhera Pharmaceuticals Klaus Schollmeier has joined Germany-based biopharma SuppreMol as CEO.
Dr Schollmeier (pictured right) had served as CEO of Santhera since its formation in 2004, and was appointed chairman in October 2011.
He has both senior scientific and business experience, previously serving as managing director healthcare-biotechnology at ING BHF-Bank; head of oncology-immunology research at BASF; and general manager for BASF’s operations in Western Europe.
Prior to his time at BASF, he held senior roles at Knoll and Abbott.
In his new position at autoimmune disease specialists SuppreMol, Schollmeier succeeds Professor Peter Buckell who retires.
Dr Thomas Hecht, chairman of the company’s advisory board, paid tribute to Prof Buckell for his “long-standing commitment” as he welcomed Dr Schollmeier.
He said: “The company has a very promising product candidate for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in phase II clinical development with important clinical and regulatory milestones ahead. Dr Schollmeier will bring the necessary experience to the company to advance SuppreMol’s products towards a Biologics License Application.”
This product is SM101, which is being investigated for its use in the treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).