New Chair of ABPI Innovation Board

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has appointed Dr Neil Weir as the Chair of its Innovation Board.

Dr Weir will lead the Board’s work in developing the ABPI’s long-term vision for pharmaceutical innovation and increased international competitiveness.

He replaces John Stageman, who retired in April.

A leading expert on antibody-based medicine, Dr Weir currently leads UCB’s drug discovery programme. In this role he has led a team responsible for developing 20 new products.

He was formerly Head of Discovery at Celltech R&D.

Stephen Whitehead, ABPI Chief Executive, said: “With Neil’s introduction the ABPI is taking the opportunity to strengthen the link between our Innovation Board and our Board of Management. Supporting and encouraging innovation is the key role of our Innovation Board, but it is also a key consideration for the ABPI as a whole.”

“As the shape of our industry continues to rapidly change our fate lies in the ability to continually innovate,” said Dr Weir. “Our ambition must be to offer innovative new medicines and ground-breaking solutions that go beyond the drug.

“We must remain committed to enabling cutting-edge scientific research that is driven by the patients’ needs, but above all we should continue to focus on our core strength and offering, namely: innovation.”