European Medicines Agency Appoints Franck Fourès to Lead Vet Medicines Division

Leadership Transition Marks a New Chapter for EU Veterinary Medicines Regulation and Animal Health

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced a significant leadership transition within its veterinary medicines programme, appointing Franck Fourès as the new Head of the Veterinary Medicines Division following the retirement of Dr. Ivo Claassen, who has played a central role in shaping European veterinary medicines regulation over many years.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the European animal health sector as regulators continue implementing the EU Veterinary Medicines Regulation, strengthening antimicrobial stewardship programmes, modernising pharmacovigilance systems and supporting innovation in veterinary pharmaceuticals.

Experienced Veterinary Public Health Leader

Franck Fourès joins the EMA from the French Agency for Veterinary Medicinal Products (ANMV), where he served in senior leadership roles overseeing veterinary medicinal product regulation and public health.

With more than two decades of experience in veterinary medicine, regulatory science and public health, Fourès has worked extensively on:

• Veterinary medicinal product evaluation

• Animal health policy

• Antimicrobial resistance

• Regulatory harmonisation

• Veterinary pharmacovigilance

• European regulatory cooperation

His appointment strengthens the Agency’s scientific and regulatory leadership as demand for innovative veterinary medicines continues to grow across Europe.

Supporting Europe’s Veterinary Medicines Framework

As Head of the Veterinary Medicines Division, Fourès will help lead EMA’s work on veterinary medicines throughout the European Union.

The division supports a broad range of activities, including:

• Scientific evaluation of veterinary medicines

• Regulatory coordination with EU Member States

• Veterinary pharmacovigilance

• Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives

• Implementation of EU veterinary medicines legislation

• Support for the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP)

Scientific opinions on centrally authorised veterinary medicines continue to be developed through the Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) before final European Commission decisions on marketing authorisations.

Building on Ivo Claassen’s Legacy

Dr. Ivo Claassen has been widely recognised within European veterinary regulatory circles for helping guide major developments in veterinary medicines policy.

During his tenure, the EMA strengthened its role in:

• Veterinary pharmaceutical evaluation

• Antimicrobial resistance initiatives

• Pharmacovigilance systems

• Veterinary biological medicines

• Regulatory collaboration across EU Member States

His retirement marks the end of an important chapter in European veterinary medicines regulation as the Agency enters a new phase focused on innovation and sustainable animal healthcare.

Why the Appointment Matters

The veterinary pharmaceutical landscape is evolving rapidly.

Animal health regulators are increasingly balancing several priorities:

• Faster access to innovative medicines

• Responsible antimicrobial use

• Enhanced monitoring of medicine safety

• Digitalisation of regulatory systems

• Support for novel biologics and advanced therapies

Leadership within the EMA’s Veterinary Medicines Division will play an important role in coordinating these activities alongside national regulatory authorities across the European Union.

Impact on the Animal Health Industry

The appointment is particularly relevant for:

• Veterinary pharmaceutical companies

• Animal vaccine manufacturers

• Generic medicine developers

• Feed additive and biologics companies

• Contract research organisations

• Regulatory affairs professionals

Companies seeking EU marketing authorisations continue to rely on the EMA’s scientific guidance and centralised regulatory procedures for many innovative veterinary medicines.

As investment grows in biologics, monoclonal antibodies, peptide therapeutics and precision animal health technologies, effective regulatory leadership will remain critical for bringing new veterinary products to market while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and efficacy.

Looking Ahead

The appointment of Franck Fourès reflects the EMA’s continued commitment to strengthening veterinary medicines regulation across Europe.

With increasing attention on antimicrobial stewardship, emerging animal diseases, food security and innovation in veterinary therapeutics, the Agency’s Veterinary Medicines Division is expected to remain central to the future development of Europe’s animal health sector.

The leadership transition also reinforces the EMA’s long-term objective of supporting scientific excellence while ensuring that veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners across the European Union have access to safe, effective and high-quality veterinary medicines.