Dr. John E. Strell of Prospect, Conn. has joined Octapharma USA as vice president of medical affairs. Strell, who holds a doctorate in pharmacy, brings significant pharmaceutical, scientific management and business development leadership to the U.S. subsidiary of the largest private plasma products company in the world. “We are very fortunate to attract someone of John’s caliber to our senior management team,” said Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen. “Medical affairs is extremely important since it deals directly with the exchange of scientific information, including medical information requests and scientific training, both within Octapharma and externally. John’s diverse background will be a strong asset for Octapharma USA our patients, partners and stakeholders.” Strell brings Octapharma USA experience in clinical pharmacy, medical affairs, marketing, publishing and strategic development. He was with Bayer Healthcare/Biological Products from 2001 to 2005 where Strell was instrumental in product launch and development. After Bayer, he was with the specialty wholesaler Health Coalition of Coral Gables, Fla., serving as both director of business development and vice president of corporate development and strategy. Most recently, he served as associate director of medical publications for Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Ridgefield, Conn. “I am very pleased to be joining Octapharma during this exciting period of growth and development for its U.S. market,” said Strell. “Patient and physician interest in Octapharma therapies both in the U.S. and globally has never been higher and 2009 promises to be an extremely successful year. I look forward to working with our partners in the medical community to ensure patients receive the best available therapy.” Strell serves as an adjunct professor at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Worcester, Mass. He received a doctorate in pharmacy from Creighton University School of Pharmacy in Omaha, Neb. and a bachelor’s of science degree in pharmacy from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy in Storrs, Conn.