GSK appoints head of infectious diseases research centre

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced the appointment of Zhi Hong to the company’s newly established research unit committed to the discovery of treatments for infectious diseases.

The appointment will become effective on April 23rd, with the newly formed Infectious Diseases Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery (ID CEDD) aiming to better co-ordinate and integrate the research and development efforts of the company relating to infectious diseases.

Dr Hong is currently executive vice president and chief scientific officer of Ardea Biosciences, having previously been vice president and head of research at Valeant Pharmaceuticals, following work in a number of roles at Schering-Plough.

Patrick Vallance, senior vice president of drug discovery at GSK, said: “The appointment of a researcher of Dr Hong’s stature reflects GSK’s continuing commitment to combat such threats as HIV/Aids, viral hepatitis and bacterial resistance to currently marketed antibiotics.”

He added that the firm had long practiced innovation in the discovery and development of products to treat infectious diseases, with the company intent on adding to this history.

Earlier this week, GSK announced that its topical antibiotic Altargo (retapamulin ointment) had received a positive opinion from the European Committee for Human Medicinal Products as a treatment for infected wounds and impetigo.