WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., May 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Corporation of North America today announces the immediate appointment of Cynthia Schwalm as President of Eisai Inc. In her new role, Ms. Schwalm will have full operating responsibility for leading Eisai Inc., the U.S. commercial operation of Eisai Co., Ltd.
Ms. Schwalm brings to Eisai Inc. a strong track record of building high-performing organizations that drive global growth and nearly 25 years of senior healthcare experience in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices. She will report to Lonnel Coats, President & COO, Eisai Corporation of North America. Previously, Mr. Coats held dual responsibilities, also serving as President & COO of Eisai Inc.
"Ms. Schwalm is an exciting addition to our company. She will be instrumental in driving Eisai's integration of MGI PHARMA and strengthening our presence in the U.S. as a top-20 pharmaceutical company," said Mr. Coats. "Ms. Schwalm has an extensive background in oncology, neurology, critical care and gastroenterology, areas of therapeutic focus for Eisai. She will be invaluable to our future growth, as we continue to advance our human health care (hhc) mission to satisfy unmet medical needs and increase benefits to patients and their families."
Ms. Schwalm joins Eisai from Amgen, Inc., where over the course of her five-year tenure she rose to Vice President and General Manager of the U.S. Oncology Business Unit, a group with annual revenues exceeding $5 billion. In this role she led the 500-person business unit, oversaw all oncology strategy and served as a member of Amgen's Senior Management Team responsible for talent development in medical affairs, drug development, regulatory, and health economic functions.
Prior to Amgen, Inc., Ms. Schwalm grew her pharmaceutical career over an 18-year period within Johnson & Johnson (J&J), holding positions of increasing responsibility at various J&J companies. During this time, Ms. Schwalm gained experience in oncology commercialization and also developed sales and marketing expertise in critical care, neurology/analgesia and gastroenterology. In her last assignment at J&J, she spent several years in the United Kingdom as the Managing Director of Ortho Biotech UK & Ireland.
Ms. Schwalm holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Delaware and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
About Eisai Corporation of North America
Eisai Corporation of North America is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. and supports the activities of its operating companies in North America. These operating companies include: Eisai Research Institute of Boston, Inc., a discovery operation with strong organic chemistry capabilities; Morphotek, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies; Eisai Medical Research Inc., a clinical development group; Eisai Inc., a commercial operation with manufacturing and marketing/sales functions; MGI PHARMA, Inc., an R&D and commercial operation with manufacturing and marketing/sales functions; and Eisai Machinery U.S.A., which markets and maintains pharmaceutical manufacturing machinery. For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com.
SOURCE Eisai Corporation of North America
