Almirall appoints new senior discovery director

Almirall has announced Steve Webber will serve as senior discovery director and asserted the appointment would enhance its research and development (R&D) unit.

Holding a number of positions at Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, he began his pharmaceutical career in 1992 and eventually became vice-president of respiratory and rheumatologic diseases.

At GlaxoSmithKline, Dr Webber worked as vice-president of respiratory biology for the company’s respiratory and inflammation centre of excellence for drug discovery before joining Almirall.

Commenting on the recent appointment, the latter said: “Dr Webber brings to the position extensive experience within the pharmaceutical industry – particularly in respiratory disease.”

It concluded the addition to the team is an example of the business’ commitment to the field.

Dr Webber will report to Almirall’s executive director of R&D Dr Per Olof Andersson in Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona.

Earlier this month, the pharmaceutical company signed a co-marketing agreement with Recordati for silodosin, a compound for benign prostate hyperplasia.

Jorge Gallardo, chairman and chief executive officer of Almirall, remarked the move would enhance its urology pipeline.