NORTHBROOK, Ill., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Bernie Zeiher, president, Development, at Astellas will be named today as one of the 2016 PM360 ELITE 100 in the Drug Researchers and Developers category at a celebratory cocktail and networking event on July 12 at 7 p.m. at The Top of The Standard Hotel in New York City's Meatpacking District.

PM360 is the premier information resource for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.  Now in its second year, the PM360 ELITE (Exceptional, Leaders, Innovators, Transformers and Entrepreneurs) represent the most influential people in the health care industry today. 

Zeiher is being recognized for leading the development team during the 2015 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process of CRESEMBA® (isavuconazonium sulfate).  CRESEMBA is a drug used to treat adults with invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis—both rare and serious diseases. 

"Bernie leads drug development with a pragmatic and collaborative style to transform vision into implementation," said Dr. Sef Kurstjens, chief medical officer at Astellas. "It's this approach that has helped to enable Astellas to accelerate the pace of innovation to meet the unmet medical needs of patients."

With more than 17 years of drug development experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Zeiher became president of Development in 2015 and has global responsibility for all phases of drug development at Astellas. Today, he continues his focus on efficiency in early development, efforts to address areas of high unmet medical need—especially in oncology—and building capabilities in new therapeutic areas such as muscle diseases and regenerative medicine.

The PM360 ELITE Awards were established in 2015 to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact to the health care industry throughout their careers. This year, the awards were expanded to include Marketing Teams as well as individuals. More than 500 submissions were received and nominees were evaluated based on their accomplishments; testimonials from their bosses, clients, and colleagues; and supporting evidence that reflects the impact of their efforts (i.e., company growth, campaign success, etc.). A total of 100 winners were selected across 16 categories, including Creative Directors, Data Miners, Digital Crusaders, Disrupters, Drug Researchers and Developers, Entrepreneurs, Launch Experts, Leaders of the Future, Marketing Teams, Master Educators, Mentors, Patient Advocates, Sales MVPs, Strategists, Tech-know Geeks, and Transformational Leaders.

"Each of the 100 individuals and teams selected truly demonstrated that they have left their mark on this industry," says Anna Stashower, chief executive officer and publisher of PM360. "Whether it was from a career worth of accomplishments or a single initiative that changed how things are done, each of them is deserving of being called ELITE."

About Astellas |
Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.us. You can also follow us on Twitter at @AstellasUS, Facebook at www.facebook.com/AstellasUS or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/astellas-pharma.

About PM360
PM360 is the premier, must-read magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Published monthly, PM360 is the only journal that focuses on delivering the full spectrum of practical information necessary for product managers and pharmaceutical marketing professionals to succeed in the complex and highly regulated healthcare environment.

The journal's targeted and insightful editorial focuses on issues that directly impact critical decision making, including: Planning and implementation of cutting edge strategies, trends, the latest technological advances, branding/marketing, advertising/promotion, patient/professional education, sales, market research, PR, and leadership. Additionally, the "360" in the title signifies the span of this critical, how-to info with personal and career insights for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

By providing the full circle of enriching content, PM360 is truly an indispensable tool for busy and productive marketing professionals to stay at the top of their game.

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SOURCE Astellas