Idenix appoints former Merck executive to direct operations and expand commercialization efforts
Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc has appointed Guy Macdonald as Executive Vice President, Operations. Macdonald has over 20 years of global pharmaceutical experience with Merck & Co., most recently as Vice President, Anti-Infectives.
During his tenure at Merck, Macdonald directed the pre-launch and launch activities for five anti-infective products and was instrumental in leading global business strategy for Merck's HIV franchise. In his new position at Idenix, Macdonald will oversee the implementation of the Company's commercialization strategy for all development products, ensuring the integration of clinical, regulatory, manufacturing and marketing.
At Merck, Macdonald's responsibilities included global leadership for the company's HIV products, including the launch of Crixivan, a protease inhibitor, and Stocrin, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. As Team Leader of Worldwide Business Strategy for Merck's HIV Products Franchise, Mr. Macdonald led the development of world HIV initiatives for Merck, such as the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnership in conjunction with the Government of Botswana and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Enhancing Care Initiative that evaluated barriers to HIV care in 5 developing nations in conjunction with Harvard AIDS Institute. In addition, Macdonald also had responsibility for Merck's antibiotics, Tienam and Invanz, its anti-fungal product, Cancidas and Aggrastat for coronary disease.
"Guy Macdonald has an impressive track record in leading successful global launch efforts in the anti-infective field. Guy brings to Idenix the depth of experience and operational excellence necessary to maximize the commercial potential of Idenix's hepatitis and infectious disease products," said Jean-Pierre Sommadossi, Chairman and CEO. "With the significant milestones we have achieved this year, including initiating a phase III clinical trial for our lead drug candidate, telbivudine, we are now putting in place the key elements to commercialize our antiviral drug candidates in the US and Europe."