LONDON, Dec. 1, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Celltech Group plc (LSE:CCH) (NYSE:CLL) today announces the appointment of Dr. Grahaem Brown as Director of Development. Grahaem has over 20 years of drug development experience gained in senior positions at Pfizer, Pharmacia, Novartis and Glaxo, during which time he had overall responsibility for the successful clinical development of 17 new molecular entities. Before joining the pharmaceutical industry, Grahaem spent 10 years in hospital medicine and two years in a Clinical Research Unit in Malaysia. He qualified in Medicine at University College Hospital, London and is an accredited specialist in Internal Medicine and in Tropical Medicine.
Grahaem will report to Dr. Melanie Lee, Research and Development Director. In addition to managing all Celltech's development activities he will initially focus on strengthening Celltech's development capabilities to support the rapid and innovative development of its pipeline products. Dr. Patrick Round, previously Director of Development, has been appointed to the newly created position of Global Director for CDP 870, reporting to Grahaem.
Dr. Melanie Lee, Research and Development Director commented: "I am delighted that someone of Grahaem's stature has decided to join Celltech and help drive our goal of becoming a global biotechnology leader. Grahaem has exceptional experience in both innovative drug development and managing organisational change, which will be invaluable in ensuring we maximise the value of our pipeline products."
Celltech Group plc (LSE:CCH) (NYSE:CLL) is one of Europe's largest biotechnology companies, with an extensive late stage development pipeline, funded by its profitable, cash-generative pharmaceutical business. Celltech also possesses drug discovery capabilities of exceptional strength, including a leading position in antibody engineering. More details can be found at www.celltechgroup.com.
This information is provided by RNS. The company news service from the London Stock Exchange.