Histogenics names former MedImmune president as CEO

Peter Greenleaf, the former president of AstraZeneca's (AZ) biologics arms MedImmune, has joined regenerative medicine company Histogenics as CEO.

Greenleaf was appointed president of MedImmune and related investment business MedImmune Ventures in February 2010, but three years later, he was one of several casualties in a shake-up of AZ's research efforts that also included the departure of president of R&D Martin Mackay.

Prior to serving as president, Greenleaf led the development of the MedImmune's global marketing and portfolio organisations and managed the broader commercial, corporate development and strategy functions.

Outside MedImmune, he has held several key leadership roles at Centocor, including VP of the US gastroenterology commercial group, as well as roles at Hallmark Cards, Boehringer Mannheim and US Healthcare.

In his new role, he will lead a company that specialises in combining cell therapy and tissue engineering technologies to develop products primarily for orthopaedic tissue repair.

This includes lead candidate NeoCart – a cartilage tissue implant in phase III trials.

“Peter's expertise in growing smaller biotech companies into industry leaders will be critical as we work to move NeoCart through pivotal trials and ultimately toward launch and commercialisation,” said Histogenics chairman Garheng Kong.

“While NeoCart will be the main focus in the near term, Peter will also help facilitate our vision for building out the company's platform technology and the future growth plans for the organisation.”