Danish biotechnology company Saniona AB (OMX: SANION), which is focused diseases relating to eating disorders and the central nervous system (CNS), revealed on Tuesday that it has appointed Rami Levin as chief executive officer, effective immediately.

Saniona said Levin is a highly experienced pharmaceutical industry executive who is expected to oversee the company's transition to a fully-fledged biopharmaceutical company with focus on rare diseases. He was appointed by the board of directors in close consultation with the company's founders, Jørgen Drejer and Thomas Feldthus. Levin will be based in Boston.

The decision to appoint Levin was based on his extensive relevant experience in bringing treatments for rare diseases to market, as well as in managing and building organizations in the US. In addition, he brings familiarity with Sweden and Scandinavia in general from previous roles as president, North America at Sobi (Swedish Orphan Biovitrum) and managing director of the Merck Group in Scandinavia.

Also, Jørgen Drejer, current CEO, will continue in the role of chief scientific officer of Saniona.