Leadership change comes after CEO Jackie Fouse, who will serve as board chair, oversaw the sale of Agios' cancer portfolio, a reorganization and a shift in therapeutic focus to rare diseases.

Otsuka's novel ADHD therapy moves closer to a potential filing after meeting its endpoint in two Phase III trials, validating a past acquisition and further bolstering the Japanese firm's CNS prospects. 

The US rare diseases company Alexion appoints a new COO and is now looking for a new CFO, head of R&D, and head of human resources, as leadership changes leaves its CEO searching for a new executive team.

Otsuka's purchase of Neurovance is part of a larger strategy to replace revenues lost to patent expiration of Abilify. Meanwhile, its Japanese counterpart Takeda is overhauling its R&D engine with help from contract manufacturer Bushu.