Avita Medical appoints CEO

Avita Medical has appointed Dr Michael Perry as its new chief executive officer at a time when the firm plans to submit its burn treatment ReCell to the FDA for review.

Perry has been a non-executive director for the Cambridge, UK-based regenerative medicine firm since February 2013 and previously served at Novartis in roles such as senior vice president and chief scientific officer, global business development and licensing, and chief scientific officer for its cell and gene therapy unit.

Prior to Novartis Perry was global head of R&D for the bioscience division at Baxter Healthcare, vice president of regulatory affairs for Sandoz Pharma, and president and CEO of cell and gene therapies for Novartis subsidiaries Systemix Inc. and Genetic Therapy Inc.

Lou Panaccio, chairman of Avita, said: “Mike’s expertise across the value chain in cell therapy along with his experience in business development, regulatory affairs and general management will be crucial to Avita’s future success.

“These fundamental attributes complemented by his US presence, will maximise Avita’s prospects as the company progresses through PMA submission, FDA review and preparation for large-scale product commercialisation.”

Perry succeeds Adam Kelliher after two years of service and will remain a consultant to the board of directors.