Actavis names new global brands research leader

Actavis has announced the appointment of Dr David Nicholson as its new senior vice-president of global brands research and development, as it prepares for its imminent takeover of Forest Laboratories.

Dr Nicholson will join the company on August 4th 2014 and will take over his new role once the acquisition of Forest has been finalised. He will report to Robert Stewart, who will become the chief operating officer of Actavis following the close.

The newly-appointed business leader will take responsibility for heading up the global teams focused on developing Actavis' significantly expanded branded research and development portfolio, as well as defining long-term product development strategies and collaborations.

He is currently employed as chief technology officer and executive vice-president for research and development of Bayer Crop Sciences. Prior to this, he served as research leader at Organon before its acquisition by Schering-Plough.

Paul Bisaro, chairman and chief executive officer of Actavis, said: "His background will be critical in advancing our near and mid-term pipeline, including new exclusive product opportunities, as well as defining a robust portfolio of next-generation products."

The $25 billion (14.73 billion pounds) takeover of Forest was agreed in February 2014 and is expected to create a new leader in the field of specialty pharmaceuticals.