Japan-based Astellas Pharma Inc has named David Fryrear, MS as its new senior vice president and head of the Clinical and Research Quality Assurance for its Medical and Development organisation, it was reported yesterday.

Fryrear will report directly to Bernhardt G Zeiher, MD, chief medical officer (CMO), Astellas. In his new role, he will be responsible for providing the global vision, leadership and strategic direction of CRQA at Astellas. He will encourage excellence in clinical and research quality assurance activities and risk-based approaches to meet the requirements of the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape and support Astellas' growing and diverse pipeline.

Fryrear is a senior business leader with more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Astellas, Fryrear held senior leadership roles at AbbVie and Eli Lilly in R&D Quality Assurance and Global Quality Systems.