CORONA, Calif., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced the appointment of Francois A. Menard, Ph.D., 48, as Senior Vice President, Generics Research and Development.
Dr. Menard brings to Watson more than 20 years of pharmaceutical research and development experience, specifically in the areas of pharmaceutical and analytical development, biopharmaceutics, project management and regulatory affairs. As Senior Vice President, Generics R&D, Dr. Menard will oversee generic research and development activities at a number of Watson sites, including Corona, California; Davie, Florida; and Mumbai, India. Additionally, he will play a key role in developing and implementing Watson's generic product selection and development strategy. He will report directly to Thomas R. Russillo, Watson's Executive Vice President and President, Generics Division.
"We are delighted to welcome Francois into the Watson organization," said Paul Bisaro, Watson's President and Chief Executive Officer. "His extensive experience and past success in leading and integrating global R&D teams will be of tremendous value to Watson as we further expand and differentiate our generic product portfolio."
Dr. Menard joins Watson following his position as Vice President Product Development for Sandoz, a Novartis company, where he was responsible for pharmaceutical and analytical development and biopharmaceutics for a number of Sandoz U.S. generic development sites. He also played an integral role in the integration of Eon Labs' R&D operations and product development activities after it was acquired by Sandoz. Prior to his tenure at Sandoz, Dr. Menard was Vice President, Research and Development at Ivax and spent over 10 years at Johnson&Johnson in various product development positions of increasing responsibility.
Dr. Menard received a Pharm.D. degree in Industrial Pharmacy from the University of Rennes, France and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.
Forward-Looking Statement
Any statements contained in this press release that refer to future events or other non-historical facts are forward-looking statements that reflect Watson's current perspective of existing trends and information as of the date of this release. Except as expressly required by law, Watson disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from Watson's current expectations depending upon a number of factors affecting Watson's business. These factors include, among others, risks and uncertainties detailed in Watson's periodic public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to Watson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
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CONTACT: Patty Eisenhaur of Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-951-493-5611
Web site: http://www.watsonpharm.com/
