ShangPharma has hired Biogen Idec’s Dr Art Taveras as president and chief scientific officer.
Dr Taveras held several vice president roles at US-based biotech Biogen, including for small molecules drug discovery, chemistry R&D and CMC development.
He now moves to China to head science at ShangPharma, a clinical research organisation (CRO) which employs 2,000 scientists.
“His extensive leadership, strategic and technical experience at the highest levels in pharmaceutical drug discovery and development will be a great asset to the company as it strives to become the preferred small molecules and biologics drug discovery partner for biopharmaceutical companies,” said Michael Hui, chairman and CEO of ShangPharma.
Dr Taveras’ career prior to joining Biogen includes senior positions at Alantos Pharmaceuticals and Schering-Plough.