BMS appoints general manager for Devens facility

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has appointed a general manager for its Devens manufacturing facility, it has emerged.

The company announced Christopher Perley as general manager and vice-president of the biologics unit.

His role will involve the supervision of the building of the Devens facility and overall responsibility for its management after it opens ? an event scheduled for 2011.

Mr Perley, who previously held the position of Network Strategy vice-president at Wyeth Biotech, will bring “extensive” experience and support to the $750 million (424.5 million pounds) project, said Carlo de Notaristefani, BMS Technical Operations president.

“The Devens facility represents the largest capital investment in the history of Bristol-Myers Squibb,” he explained.

“Biologics will play an increasingly important role in driving our company’s future growth and success.”

Mr de Notaristefani also said the project will be important in helping patients survive “serious disease”.

The Devens facility was initially planned in 2006 and when it becomes operational will include a workforce of around 350 staff. It is set to support production of BMS’ biologic rheumatoid arthritis therapt, Orencia (abatacept), in addition to other compounds.

In related news, earlier this week saw BMS announce the US approval of Reyataz (atazanir sulphate) boosted with ritonavir for combination therapy in treatment-naive HIV-1 patients.