New Executive Director At Astellas

NORTHBROOK, IL — Claudio Sanchez has been named executive director of Regulatory Affairs for Latin America of Astellas, the Northbrook-based pharmaceutical company's announced Wednesday.

Astellas produces medications that are currently available in more than 20 countries across Latin America, with a focus on immunology, urology and oncology.

In this new role, Sanchez is responsible for providing executive-level regulatory leadership for Latin America, including development and execution of regulatory strategies, plans and processes for development compounds and commercial products across multiple therapeutic areas.

“Claudio’s vast experience and knowledge of the regulatory environment in Latin America will make him a tremendous asset to our Regulatory Affairs team in the region,” said Percival Barretto-Ko, senior vice president, International Operations. “His role will be instrumental in assuring regulatory strategies reflect best-in-class application of scientific, therapeutic and regulatory expertise and knowledge, and in ensuring that Astellas’ programs meet applicable regulatory and business requirements.”

Sanchez has more than 15 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry. He most recently served as senior director, Regulatory Affairs, Intercontinental, at Shire (formerly Baxalta AG), where he led the team responsible for the development of strategic plans and regulatory submissions. Prior to Shire, Sanchez was the sub-regional head of Regulatory AGL at Novartis AG. He began his career as a production manager at Laboratorios Chile SA.

Sanchez holds a degree in chemistry and pharmacy from the University of Chile. He also earned a degree in pharmaceutical medicine from the University of Basel.