Jürgen Polifka has left his role at Merck and Co to join Canada-based biopharma Cardiome as general manager, sales and marketing Europe.
Polifka was most recently regional marketing leader hospital care at Merck for a portfolio of products, including atrial fibrillation treatment Brinavess (vernakalant), which Cardiome is due to assume commercialisation responsibility for in Europe.
In total, Polifka spent more than 16 years at Merck, serving in several senior roles, such as product manager, marketing and sales manager, director hospital and specialty products and brand leader. During this time, he covered both infectious disease and cardiovascular care at different stages.
“We are extremely pleased to have Dr Polifka join Cardiome at such a critical time in its history,” said Karim Lalji, Cardiome’s chief commercial officer.
“His personal experience with Brinavess at MSD and deep understanding of the European hospital and cardiovascular markets will be invaluable as Cardiome assumes commercialisation responsibility for Brinavess in Europe.”