Stiefel appoints global research and development head

Specialist dermatology pharmaceutical firm Stiefel Laboratories has announced the appointment of Gavin Corcoran to the position of senior vice-president of global research and development.

In this role, Dr Corcoran will oversee five research and development facilities of the company worldwide, including those located in the UK, Australia and Brazil, in addition to the Stiefel West Coast facility in Palo Alto and recently-opened site at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.

Dr Corcoran joined the company in 2005 and has previously been employed as senior vice-president of global clinical and regulatory affairs, as well as site leader at the company’s Research Triangle Park facility.

Brent Stiefel, executive vice-president of global corporate development and product portfolio at the firm, said: “Gavin’s breadth of experience and accomplishments make him the ideal choice to lead the Stiefel [research and development] organisation.

“He has built our global regulatory and clinical groups, and has been integral to the integration activities related to the Connetics acquisition.”

He added that the firm is excited that Dr Corcoran will now lead the development of the next generation of the company’s products for the treatment of a range of skin conditions.

Last month, Stiefel announced that the Blackstone group planned to make a $500 million (246.7 million pound) investment in the company.