Anavex Life Sciences Corp. announced the appointment of Ulrich Elben, PhD as Vice President of Preclinical Operations. In this new role, Dr. Elben will oversee the pipeline development and optimization.

Dr. Elben joins Anavex with extensive experience in global pharmaceutical development and research. His background includes roles as VP of Strategic Development Operations at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, with responsibilities including project and portfolio management as well as the development of an oncology project. In addition Dr. Elben served as a member of the Vertex drug development advisory board and drug product review committee.

He was also Chief Development Officer at Avaant Pharmaceuticals, where he led the development of oncology projects across the USA, Europe and India.