Little Chesterford, Essex-based biopharmaceutical company Arecor Therapeutics has appointed Dr Helen Parris as senior vice-president, commercial, as well as general manager of the group’s subsidiary company, Tetris Pharma, effective 15 January.

Parris has more than 20 years’ scientific, commercial and government affairs experience across several international biopharmaceutical companies and has launched products across large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. She was previously general manager Northern markets (UK, Netherlands and Nordics) at Albireo Pharma, which was acquired by Ipsen in March last year, and where she helped establish and build the regional affiliate and launch the first product to market.

Parris previously held multiple positions at Gilead, including executive director EMEA, global affairs regional lead, and was instrumental in broadening patient access to treatment. While at Gilead, she led the launch of several transformational drugs, developed critical launch strategies and expanded commercial opportunities.

Sarah Howell, chief executive at Arecor, said: “Helen’s proven track record in bringing products to market and growing sales will be key as we continue the roll-out of Ogluo across the UK and Europe. Ogluo is an important treatment for people with diabetes and their caregivers that can provide them with the confidence to manage severe hypoglycaemic events and, under Helen’s leadership, Tetris Pharma is even better positioned for the continued adoption of this key product in a circa £100 million market. Not only will this deliver a revenue stream but a successful commercial distribution platform through Tetris Pharma is highly complementary to our existing specialty hospital products business and has significant growth potential, providing Arecor with the capability to take selected products to market in the UK and Europe.”

Parris commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Tetris Pharma to support the development of the company’s lead product, Ogluo, and continue its accelerated roll-out across Europe. Ogluo meets a key need for people living with diabetes at risk of severe hypoglycaemia, a condition which can have a profound effect on the everyday lives of those with diabetes and their caregivers. I look forward to leading the company as it continues to expand its pan-European presence.”