Merial names new research and development head

Merial has announced the appointment of Dr Fabian Kausche as the new global head of its research and development unit, effective as of the start of this week.

Dr Kausche joins the company after ten years with Novartis, where he most recently served as global head of animal health research and development. He has also previously been employed as a clinical research scientist at Upjohn and senior director for clinical development of biologicals for Pfizer Animal Health.

In his new post, he will be responsible for advancing Merial's leadership in the discovery and development of innovative vaccines and therapies for companion and production animals, heading up a global team of more than 700 scientists and support staff.

Currently, the firm has more than 50 projects in development, covering a wide variety of animal species.

Carsten Hellmann, chief executive officer of Merial, said: "Fabian's expertise and proven track record in product development with approvals around the world, in addition to his business and organisational leadership, deliver a rare combination of talents and knowledge."

The company is one of the largest veterinary product manufacturers in the world, with operations in more than 150 countries and employing over 6,200 people.