Teva appoints genetics specialist as its first president of global R&D

Teva Pharmaceutical has appointed genetics expert Dr Michael Hayden as its first president of global R&D and chief scientific officer.

The move shows further research ambitions for the traditionally generics-focused company, with Dr Hayden to lead the development of both branded and generic medicines.

Dr Hayden's extensive background in genetics is likely to be important for Teva too, considering the industry's increasing interest in personalised medicines.

His experience in the field includes current roles as Killam Professor of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia, Canada, and Canada research chair in human genetics and molecular medicine as part of a government-supported programme.

He is also the founder and director of the centre for molecular medicine and therapeutics at the University of British Columbia.

In addition, Dr Hayden has experience within the biopharma industry, having founded the biotech companies NeuroVir, Aspreva Pharmaceuticals and Xenon Genetics.

Dr Jeremy Levin, who is set to replace Shlomo Yania as Teva's president and CEO, said: “We are delighted to have Michael join us as our chief scientific officer. He brings to Teva world-renowned experience and knowledge in scientific and clinical research coupled with deep knowledge of discovery and development of medicines.”