Celgene’s chief executive elected chairman of PhRMA

Celgene's chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Robert Hugin is assuming a leadership role at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), an industry body representing some of the world's largest drugmakers.

Mr Hugin was elected chairman of the trade association at its annual meeting, succeeding his Lilly counterpart Dr John Lechleiter, while Pfizer's chief executive Ian Read was named chairman-elect.

Meanwhile, Merck Sharp and Dohme's CEO Kenneth Frazier was named treasurer of PhRMA.

Following his election, the Celgene chief will be tasked with helping to ensure medical companies pursue innovative patient-centric research in order to address various healthcare challenges.

Mr Hugin said: "I look forward to working with our leadership team, the PhRMA staff, and our member companies to advocate for policies that support the advancement of medical innovation and that ensure access for patients to life-extending therapies."

PhRMA was founded in 1958 and is committed to driving innovation in key fields such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis and Parkinson's disease.