Leo Pharma, one of the leaders in medical dermatology, has appointed Kasper Künzel as Interim Vice President and General Manager for its UK and Ireland
business.
Kasper is an established leader within Leo Pharma, having previously been Vice President, IPO Preparedness Office, at Leo Pharma in Denmark.
Kasper brings over 17 years of pharmaceutical experience, previously taking on local and global leadership positions across Leo Pharma in functions including R&D,
Finance and Commercial. Having first joined Leo Pharma in Denmark in a financial function, his previous roles include General Manager in South Korea, Vice President
of Corporate Transformation, and Director of R&D Business Finance
He commented: "I am delighted to join the Leo Pharma UK and Ireland team and continue to build on the company's strong heritage in these markets. The UK and Ireland
team are committed to the Leo Pharma values as a leader in medical dermatology, and I'm looking forward to all we can achieve together this year.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the marketing authorisation of Adtralza, a dermatological solution developed
by Danish specialist LEO Pharma. This injectable solution contains 300 mg of tralokinumab in a 2 mL pre-filled pen and will be available for tralokinumab patients
in the UK from early 2024.
Tralokinumab is indicated for treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult and adolescent patients aged 12 and older who require systemic therapy, Leo
Pharma said in a statement. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody developed to specifically bind to and inhibit the IL-13 cytokine. Previously, it was available
in a 150 mg in 1 mL pre-filled syringe.
According to Leo Pharma, the 300 mg tralokinumab in a 2 mL pre-filled pen offers a streamlined administration for both patients and prescribers. It begins with an
initial 600 mg dose in two injections, followed by a single 300 mg maintenance dose administered every other week.
"We're pleased that this simplified administration method for tralokinumab will soon benefit eligible atopic dermatitis patients in the UK. It aligns with our
commitment to elevate the standard of care and support for individuals with skin conditions," said Leanne Walsh, Vice President and General Manager of UK and
Ireland at LEO Pharma.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May has formally opened new offices of LEO Pharma UK and Ireland during a launch event in Maidenhead, Berkshire.
The company said on Friday (June 16) that the new building, based at Foundation Park, will function as its UK and Ireland operational headquarters.
LEO Pharma has been manufacturing dermatology products in the UK and Ireland for over 60 years and continues its commitment to the Maidenhead area, where it been
based for 10 years. The grounds offer state-of-the-art facilities and a greener and more sustainable workplace, the company said and hoped that that strong transport
connections at Foundation Park will allow for seamless international collaboration, while a range of health and wellness initiatives will contribute to employee
wellbeing.
This new space will enable a collaborative and flexible work environment for LEO Pharma staff, ensuring they can continue to work to improve the lives of people
living with skin conditions, their families and society.