Maarit Merla has worked in the life science sector for more than 22 years, including in an international diagnostics company, a biotechnology start-up and a global pharmaceutical group. Since May 2022, she has worked as Executive Director at Organon R&D Finland and prior to that, she was Head of Business Development at Forendo Pharma. Merla has also chaired the Board of Directors of Finnish Bioindustries and served as Board Member of Pharma Industry Finland and the Chemical Industry Federation of Finland.
“The Managing Director of Finnish Drug Discovery Center Ltd has a unique opportunity to create a well-functioning channel for pharmaceutical innovations to find international funding and commercial success. My experience in drug development in the start-up phase, acquisition of funding and creation of partnerships lays a good basis for succeeding in this task,” says Merla.
“I am pleased that Maarit Merla will head the company. She is an experienced, skilled and motivated leader. The Managing Director will lead and the Board will support her in the task of drawing up the company’s strategy and business plan and recruiting the necessary employees,” says Jyrki Liljeroos, Chair of the Board of Directors.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment press release, 23 November 2023: Drug Development Centre granted EUR 20 million in capital
Inquiries:
Tarja Enala, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 135
Jyrki Liljeroos, Chair of the Board, Finnish Drug Discovery Center Ltd, tel. +358 400 625 770
Maarit Merla, Managing Director (from 1 January 2024), Finnish Drug Discovery Center Ltd, tel. +358 40 310 8023