AstraZeneca's Rich Fante Elected as National Pharmaceutical Council's Chairman of the Board

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC) today announced that Rich Fante, President, AstraZeneca U.S. and CEO North America, has been elected Chairman of its Board of Directors for 2011-12. Mr. Fante has served on NPC's Board since 2008, most recently as Treasurer.

"Rich takes the helm at a time when the health care landscape is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As someone with tremendous experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Rich understands how NPC's policy research can help inform decision-making among those shaping the future of health care delivery," said NPC President Dan Leonard.

"During my chairmanship, I'm looking forward to leading NPC as it positions itself for the future," said Mr. Fante. "NPC has an important and unique role to play in supporting the development and application of comparative effectiveness research and other data important to improving health outcomes.  By engaging with providers, payers, policymakers and other stakeholders, NPC will be able to meaningfully contribute to shaping the health care environment."

Prior to his current role at AstraZeneca, Mr. Fante served as the company's Vice President, Brand Strategy and Portfolio Operations.  He led the development and execution of marketing strategies for all AstraZeneca brands in the United States.  He has held a number of leadership roles at AstraZeneca, including Vice President—Primary Care for the gastrointestinal and respiratory franchises. Outside of AstraZeneca, Mr. Fante serves as a member of the Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care for the Institute of Medicine.

Mr. Leonard also recognized the efforts of the outgoing chair, Kevin T. Rigby, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, who will remain active on NPC's Board. "Under Kevin's leadership, we made great strides in increasing NPC's awareness and visibility with key CER stakeholders, as well as improving our infrastructure and business operations. We greatly appreciated his involvement in strengthening the organization," said Mr. Leonard.

The NPC Board also elected John Gargiulo, President and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., to serve as its Vice Chairman, and Jeff Huth, Senior Vice President, Managed Markets, of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as Treasurer.  

About the National Pharmaceutical Council

The National Pharmaceutical Council is a health policy research organization dedicated to the advancement of good evidence and science, and to fostering an environment in the United States that supports medical innovation. Founded in 1953 and supported by the nation's major research-based pharmaceutical companies, NPC focuses on research development, information dissemination, and education on the critical issues of evidence, innovation and the value of medicines for patients. For more information, visit www.npcnow.org.  

SOURCE National Pharmaceutical Council