Astellas appoints new head of European oncology unit

Astellas has announced the appointment of Dr Christopher Thomson as the executive director of its new European oncology unit.

The new business division has been created as a key part of Astellas' mid-term management plan from 2010-15, with Dr Thomson moving into the key role after three years as director of business development at Astellas Pharma Europe.

He joined the organisation from analyst firm IMS Health in 2008 and has worked for businesses such as Schwarz Pharmaceuticals during his career, as well as holding a number of senior positions at Bayer.

Dr Thomson will work alongside Astellas Pharma Europe president and chief executive officer Ken Jones to promote products such as the prostate cancer therapy Eligard.

Mr Jones said: "He has been involved in key negotiations with our partners and we are committed to developing a portfolio of treatments urgently to fulfil the unmet medical needs that exist in oncology."

Last month, the company announced a licensing deal with Vical Incorporated that will give it global rights to TransVax, a new cytomegalovirus vaccine.