Anavex Life Sciences Corp. announced that Walter E Kaufmann, M.D. has been promoted to Chief Scientific Officer and Edward R Hammond, M.D., M.P.H., PhD, has been appointed Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately. Before joining Anavex over three years ago, Dr. Kaufmann was the Director of the Center for Translational Research at the Greenwood Genetic Center, where he also held the Ravenel Boykin Curry Chair in Genetic Therapeutics.

Dr. Hammond, who brings more than 15 years of exceptional expertise in clinical drug development, including the approval of medicines and beyond, previously worked with the Astra Zeneca Group, where he took on increasing responsibilities including Head of Epidemiology Center of Excellence and leadership for established brands, and for life cycle management within the respiratory franchise. Dr. Hammond, who joined recently, is a Physician-Scientist, Clinical Epidemiologist and Public Health practitioner with exceptional biopharmaceutical industry and academic expertise, encompassing strategic understanding for drug development and proven leadership.