Finnish pharmaceutical group, Orion has appointed its new vice president of oncology, research and development, in the form of professor Heikki Joensuu.
He said: “My new position at Orion allows me to maintain and deepen my research focus, which is to develop such treatments for cancer patients wherever they live.
“I hope that my long background in the academia will help in the initiation of new research projects between Orion and the academia.
“Such collaboration will likely benefit all stakeholders, including the society and, most importantly, the patients.”
Previously, Joensuu served at Helsinki University Hospital, where he worked as the research director from 2015-2017 in its comprehensive cancer centre.
Prior to that, he was research professor of the Academy of Finland from 2010-2014.
Christer Nordstedt, senior vice president, R&D, Orion, said: “This appointment is an excellent step to further the co-operation of Helsinki University Hospital and Orion boosts our relationship.
“I am also happy that such a top researcher from the academic society joins Orion – in the past few years several of our colleagues have left the company to top positions in the universities and public sector.
“This cross fertilisation between the public and private sectors is very likely to be beneficial for the scientific and public communities.”