Hikma appoints Surendera Tyagi as chief scientific officer

Hikma Pharmaceuticals has appointed Surendera Tyagi as group chief scientific officer and global head of research and development.

Tyagi will focus on the company’s non-injectables business during the first year and will become a member of the Executive Committee.

Chairman and chief executive Said Darwazah said: "Surendera is an outstanding scientist with a proven track record of leading research and development in some of the world's largest and most successful pharmaceutical organisations.

"Research and innovation is one of our five pillars for growth and the appointment of Surendera is a significant step forward in executing on this strategy. We are very excited for Surendera to be joining us and accelerating our ability to develop novel ways to improve the health of people around the world."

Tyagi joins Hikma from Fresenius Kabi, where he most recently led the US Innovation & Development Center. He also successfully expanded the company's oncology business. Prior to joining Fresenius, Tyagi served as chief scientific officer for Dabur Pharma, an oncology company that was acquired by Fresenius in 2008. He also has held scientific and/or regulatory roles at Roche, IGEN, Abbott/Hospira, and Schwarz Pharma.

Tyagi said: "Hikma's track record of delivering affordable, quality medicines to people who need them is a purpose that I share. I look forward to accelerating their R&D efforts by advancing and expanding their pipeline, leveraging Hikma's highly experienced and talented R&D team."