Dr Eliseo Salinas joins Elan

Elan has appointed Dr Eliseo Oreste Salinas as executive VP and chief medical officer with responsibility for leading the company's global development, clinical and medical initiatives.

Dr Salinas will be based at Elan's South San Francisco campus, will be a member of the company's executive leadership team, and will report to Elan President Carlos Paya.

Dr Salinas joins the company from US-based pain-management firm Adolor Corporation, where he was senior VP of research and development and CMO. Previously, he served at biotech firm Shire, as chief scientific officer and executive VP of global pharma R&D, achieving six major drug submissions in four years.

Commenting on his appointed Lars Ekman, a member of the Elan board of directors and chair of its science and technology committee, said: "During his career, Dr Salinas has overseen eight successful new drug applications, seven approved supplemental NDAs, and four approved European submissions.

“He has a proven track record in the US and internationally and the leadership capability to advance Elan's robust biotechnology pipeline and clinical portfolio through development toward those with unmet medical needs."

Elan's current CMO and head of development, Menghis Bairu, will resume his primary responsibility as executive VP and general manager of MS treatment Tysabri.