Endocyte has made two senior additions to its European team, bringing in Torsten Hoof from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) as VP and general manager, Europe, and Amgen’s Ulf Staginnus as executive director, head of market access and pricing, Europe.
The appointments come at a crucial time for Endocyte as it prepares for the approval and launch of cancer drugs vintafolide (in partnership with Merck & Co) and etarfolatide.
Hoof was most recently VP global commercialisation at BMS, where he was responsible for the US-based company’s haematology franchise, which includes products such as Spyrcel (dasatinib).
Previously, he was VP and general manager, Europe for BMS’ primary care and HIV business, helping to launch several new treatment options in the region.
Prior to joining BMS, Hoof was global business leader influenza at Roche, where he was responsible for the worldwide launch of Tamiflu.
Staginnus was franchise head oncology, health economics and reimbursement at Amgen Europe, working with such products as Vectibix (panitumumab).
Prior to joining Amgen, Staginnus was head of pricing and health economics, Europe at Novartis Oncology, where he was responsible for pricing and market access strategies in Europe.
The two additions follow the hire in July 2012 of Endocyte’s first chief commercial officer, David Meek from Novartis.
Ron Ellis, president and CEO of Endocyte, explained the latest appointments: “Dr Hoof brings with him extensive knowledge of the European marketplace and success in launching high-profile products, including major cancer therapeutics. Mr Staginnus’ expertise and track record with major biotech companies will provide us with the necessary leadership for product pricing and market access.”