EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in the U.S. and Canada, has announced the appointment of Craig Millian as senior vice president, Neurology and Immunology. Millian most recently served as senior vice president, head of U.S. Fertility and Endocrinology at EMD Serono. In his new role, he will lead the strategic direction of the company's U.S. Neurology and Immunology franchise.

"Craig is a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success," said Gary Zieziula, president and managing director of EMD Serono. "He has been instrumental in expanding our leadership in Fertility and Endocrinology, and he will bring that passion and expertise to the Neurology and Immunology business, furthering our commitment to improving care for people living with multiple sclerosis and other conditions as we advance our pipeline."

Millian joined EMD Serono in 2010 to lead the Fertility and Endocrinology marketing team. He previously served as vice president, Commercial at Vertex, where he helped design and build the commercial infrastructure, organizational capabilities and go-to-market plans in advance of launching the Vertex product pipeline. Prior to Vertex, he held commercial leadership roles at Pfizer and Sanofi. Millian holds an MBA from New York University and a degree in Finance from the University of Pennsylvania.

Drew Young, who previously served as senior vice president, Neurology and Immunology for EMD Serono, has recently been appointed to a new position within Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He will serve as general manager and managing director, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Biopharma, Australia & New Zealand. Young joined EMD Serono in June 2014 and had a positive impact on the company's neurology and immunology performance.

EMD Serono's neurology franchise includes Rebif (interferon beta-1a), a prescribed interferon for patients with relapsing forms of MS new to therapy and switching therapy combined in the US.i Rebif has a well-established safety profile with more than 20 years of accrued clinical trial and patient experience. Since its approval in 2002, more than 130,000 people have chosen Rebif to treat their relapsing MS. In addition to providing this important treatment option, EMD Serono offers comprehensive support to patients through MS LifeLines. For more than 14 years, this award-winning patient support service has provided round-the-clock education and support for people living with relapsing MS.

The company also has a pipeline of products it is investigating in the immunology and neurology space.