MSD appoints new SVP

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has announced the appointment of Darryle D Schoepp as senior vice-president and head of neuroscience at Merck Research Laboratories (MRL).

Dr Schoepp has been appointed with immediate effect and will report to the president of MRL, Peter S Kim. He will be responsible for the scientific direction of MSD in drug discovery and development for neuroscience, including treatments for sleep disorders, pain and Alzheimer’s disease.

Prior to joining MSD, Dr Schoepp has been employed at Eli Lilly for 20 years in neuroscience discovery research, being vice-president and global head of early clinical investigation and neuroscience research for the past three years.

Dr Kim said: “Darryle Schoepp is among the world’s most outstanding drug-discovery scientists and we are delighted to have a leader of his stature join the MRL team.”

He added that the scope and depth of Dr Schoepp’s experience in the field would improve the research strategy being implemented at the research laboratories of MSD.

Last month, MSD announced that its executive vice-president and chief financial officer Judy C Lewent planned to retire from her role at the firm after holding the position for 17 years.

Ms Lewent was a key contributor to the company’s recently launched Plan to Win corporate strategy.