Christopher Gallen

By Kim Tae-gyu

SK Biopharm, a subsidiary of SK Group, said Monday it has appointed as its chief executive officer, Christopher Gallen, a world-renowned expert in developing new drugs.

Gallen will take charge of the Seoul-based pharmaceutical firm after gaining approval at meetings for shareholders’ and the board of directors late this month.

The new CEO boasts an impressive track record in the life-science industry as in the past he had assumed leadership at Neuromed and was executive vice president at Zalicus.

``Gallen has proven his expertise in not only developing new medicines but also in commercializing and marketing them. He also has a knack for raising funds,’’ an SK official said.

``Previously at major pharmaceutical companies, he has spearheaded the development and commercialization of more than 10 drugs. We hope that he will equally guide the growth of SK Biopharm in the future.’’

Gallen was picked as one of the 100 Most Inspiring People in the Life Science Industry in 2007, a great recognition awarded by PharmaVOICE.

SK Biopharm was spun off from SK Group’s life-science division early last year in order to nurture next-generation growth engines in addition to the group’s current revenue streams in the petrochemical and telecom sectors.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has reiterated the significance of the life-science business and promised to channel energies and funds to potential-rich industries.

Toward that end, SK Biopharm, which currently operates a research center in Daedeok Research Complex located in Daejeon, will work in cooperation with its sister company SK Chemical.

The latter is an established player in the market as among the largest in the domestic vaccine industry.