The Country Director for Biogen, Michael O'Connell has been appointed President of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA).
Michael hails from Millstreet in Cork and has worked in the biopharmaceutical industry for the last 31 years. He is set to take over the role which had previously been vacated by Pfizer's Paul Reid.
The IPHA is the representative body for the research-based biopharmaceutical industry, who believe they can shape the health and enterprise landscape in Ireland through scientific means, investments and exports linked to innovation in medicines.
Mr O’Connell pledged to focus his presidency on achieving a better environment for access, competitiveness and innovation:
“This is an exciting time for the biopharmaceutical industry, in Ireland and globally. The pandemic has demonstrated the dividend of science, with protection through vaccines helping social and economic life to resume. In areas like access, competitiveness and innovation, we have new opportunities for progress. It is our role at IPHA to ensure that, by working with others, the environment is right to maximise the return on these opportunities for our society and the economy."
