Leiden, The Netherlands – 13 December 2012 – Prosensa, the Dutch biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA-modulating therapeutics for rare diseases with high unmet need, has appointed industry leader and former Genzyme CEO, Mr. Henri Termeer as Strategic Advisor. His role at Prosensa will be to provide input on the company’s corporate strategy and growth plans.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Termeer said: “Prosensa has the key ingredients of a successful company in the rare disease community: breakthrough science, a highly motivated workforce and a passionate commitment to improving the lives of patients. I am very much looking forward to working with the Prosensa team.”
Prosensa’s CEO, Hans Schikan, commented: “We are very pleased that Henri is joining the team as a Strategic Advisor. Under his leadership, Genzyme became a world-leading biotech company and a pioneer in rare diseases and orphan drugs. His expertise will be invaluable to use as we drive our products and technology forward.”
Henri Termeer served as Chairman, President and CEO of Genzyme Corporation for nearly three decades. Under his leadership, the company evolved from a mid-sized biomedical company to one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, especially in the field of rare diseases and orphan drugs. He retired from Genzyme in 2011 following its acquisition by Sanofi in a transaction valued at more than $20 billion. Mr. Termer is also involved in a number of other companies and not-for-profit organizations.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Daan Ellens, Chairman of Prosensa’s Supervisory Board, said: “Henri is a luminary in the biotech world, and an expert in rare diseases and orphan drugs. His expertise will be crucial in supporting our goal of developing and commercialising oligonucleotide treatments for rare neuromuscular disorders. We welcome him on board.”
