Biogen Idec appoints two neurodegenerative research experts

Biogen Idec has announced the appointment of two leading researchers to bolster its capabilities in the field of neurodegenerative disease science.

Dr Christopher Henderson, former professor of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine at Columbia University, has joined the company in the role of vice-president of neurology.

Meanwhile, Dr Richard Ransohoff has been named senior research fellow for neuroimmunology, having previously served as director of the neuroinflammation research centre at the department of neurosciences of Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute.

The pair will work collaboratively within Biogen Idec's research and development organisation to identify and accelerate the creation of new therapies for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, senior vice-president and chief scientific officer of Biogen Idec, said: "We are bringing together some of the brightest minds in research to create new ways of looking at devastating neurological diseases where there are few, if any, effective therapies."

Earlier this month, the firm announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2014, during which it experienced year-on-year revenue growth of 37 percent.