Konstantin Linnik to head IP strategy at Idea Pharma

Idea Pharma has appointed former senior corporate counsel at Pfizer Konstantin Linnik as its general counsel and principal intellectual property (IP) strategist.

Idea, which specialises in advising a company's strategy at the phase II stage of development, said Linnink will lead IP inputs into whole product design, giving insight into the potential opportunities for early phase assets and advising on how to improve developmental products.

The appointment is also expected to expand Idea's portfolio of clients to medium-sized pharma companies, and also give the company a base in Boston, US.

Linnik, who will join from Boston law firm Nutter McClennen and Fish LLP, said Idea's focus on distinct elements such as IP during early phase development influenced his decision to join the company.

He said: “A small change in product concept, that produces a better medicine, one with even six months more protection, can make billions of dollars difference over the lifecycle.”

Mike Rea, CEO of Idea, said: “The fantastic thing about Konstantin is that he gets it - that the role of invention isn't over when someone comes up with a pathway and a molecule.”