Xspray Pharma appoints Blake Leitch as CEO, Per Andersson to become CSO
Xspray Pharma has appointed Blake Leitch as CEO, with the start date no later than June 1, 2026. Current CEO Per Andersson will become CSO.
Image: XSpray
GSK agrees to acquire 35Pharma, adding pulmonary hypertension asset HS235
GSK has agreed to acquire Canada’s 35Pharma for $950m in cash, gaining HS235, an activin signalling inhibitor being developed for pulmonary hypertension.
Novo Nordisk partners with Vivtex on oral biologics
Novo Nordisk and Vivtex will work on oral biologics for obesity and diabetes. Vivtex is eligible for up to US$2.1 billion plus tiered royalties.
Fresenius extends CEO Michael Sen’s contract to 2031, appoints Pawlu to the Management Board
Fresenius extends CEO Michael Sen’s contract early, taking it through 2031. Helios executive Christian Pawlu will join the Management Board on July 1, 2026.
Merck reshapes business ahead of Keytruda patent expiry
Merck & Co. is splitting operations into two divisions to prepare for Keytruda’s 2030 patent expiry and to broaden its portfolio.
Ad Alliance rolls out cross-media campaign for blend-a-dent
Ad Alliance has implemented a cross-media campaign for P&G’s blend-a-dent, combining BRIGITTE and Meins co-branding with RTL and VOX TV placements.
Roche appoints Mark Dawson to lead pRED
Roche names Mark Dawson as Head of Pharma Research and Early Development from 1 May 2026 and adds him to the Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee.
“Balls for Balls” brings testicular cancer checks into the stadium
Saint Elmo’s, Borussia Dortmund and FAQ YOU link testicular cancer prevention to stadium check-ups, social media activation and a dedicated website.
L’Oréal appoints Julia Huhn to lead communications across DACH
Julia Huhn has led Communication & Public Affairs at L’Oréal DACH since 15 February. She succeeds Stefan Geister and joins from Santander.
medac Group exits diagnostics business to focus on pharma
medac Group is divesting its diagnostics activities via a management buy-out to focus on pharma. The business will continue as mevida Diagnostika.