AstraZeneca has reached across the Atlantic to poach a well-regarded neuroscientist from Pfizer to lead its drug discovery, research and early development efforts, according to people familiar with the hire.
Menelas Pangalos was chief scientific officer in charge of neuroscience research at Pfizer, but only for a few months. He had just come from Wyeth, as part of its takeover by Pfizer last year.
AstraZeneca confirmed the move and said Pangalos would become executive vice president of innovative medicines as of May 1.
In championing Wyeth’s acquisition, Pfizer executives had liked to mention that Pangalos would come along with the deal. Pfizer CEO Jeff Kindler called him “world class” in a conference call with investors and analysts last month. R&D executive Martin Mackay referred to him in a call last October as an “outstanding talent.” Neuroscience research is a priority for Pfizer.
Pfizer has named Anabella Villalobos to fill Pangalos’ post on an interim basis, and has begun looking for a permanent successor, a company spokeswoman said.
Pangalos, a U.K. citizen, will succeed Jan Lundberg, who left AstraZeneca to head R&D at Eli Lilly.
Photo: Associated Press