Lilly adds new members to autoimmune team

Lilly has announced the appointment of Dr Michael Hefferman and Dr Alisa Koch as the newest members of its autoimmune team.

Dr Hefferman, a recognised expert in complex medical dermatology, psoriasis and clinical trials, has become a distinguished medical fellow for the Lilly team, providing scientific and medical direction to molecules in clinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune dermatological conditions.

Meanwhile, the award-winning rheumatologist Dr Koch becomes a senior medical fellow, dedicated to advancing and supporting the development, launch and commercialisation of the company's US autoimmune programme.

This will support the company's efforts to deliver new therapy options for sufferers of  psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions.

Dr Eiry Roberts, vice-president of autoimmune product development at Lilly, said: "Mike and Alisa have expressed similar commitment to addressing unmet patient and provider needs in their respective fields of dermatology and rheumatology.

Last month, the company announced a first-quarter dividend for 2013, as well as a new $1.5 billion (935.7 million pounds) share repurchase programme.