Biogen Idec hires head of development sciences and value-based medicine

Biogen Idec has announced the appointment of Dr Richard Rudick to the newly-created role of vice-president for development sciences and value-based medicine.

Dr Rudick, a noted neurologist and multiple sclerosis researcher, will lead the recently-established value-based medicine group in the creation of new technology to support better understanding, measurement and management of multiple sclerosis treatment.

An internationally recognised clinical researcher and thought leader, Dr Rudick has been heavily involved in several recent multiple sclerosis studies, including pivotal trials of Biogen Idec's products Avonex and Tysabri.

He joins the company from the Cleveland Clinic, where he served as director of the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research for nearly three decades.

Dr Alfred Sandrock, group senior vice-president and chief medical officer at Biogen Idec, said: "His vision, expertise and passion bolsters our efforts to create real-world, practical solutions to empower better decision-making and improve the way people live with multiple sclerosis."

Treatments for this condition are one of Biogen Idec's key focus areas. Earlier this year, it introduced a new first-line oral therapy, Tecfidera, in Europe after earning regulatory approval for the drug.