Nitto Denko Avecia said that Detlef Rethage will step down from the position of president of the company effective July 16, 2018. Mr. Rethage will continue to support the Nitto Avecia businesses as a corporate advisor in the period of transition.

Seiji Fujioka, corporate vice president, director of the medical division of Nitto Denko Corporation, has been appointed as president of Nitto Denko Avecia. Mr. Fujioka has served Nitto for 33 years and spent 15 years in the U.S. with Nitto subsidiaries. Mr. Fujioka will have full responsibility for Nitto Denko Avecia and Nitto Avecia Pharma Services and will be located at the Nitto Denko Avecia headquarters in Milford, MA.

“Nitto will celebrate their centennial anniversary this year and is committed to investment in life science business through the new mid-term plan. Milford, MA will be the center of the medical division as well as the center of oligonucleotide excellence,” said Mr. Fujioka. “Nitto Denko Avecia has experienced unparalleled growth and success in the oligonucleotide therapeutics business by supporting our customers’ success from clinical development through commercial launch. Avecia grew over the last 12 years and became the market leader with four sites and more than 500 employees under Mr. Rethage’s leadership. We are looking forward to continuing to grow with our customers, partners, and team members by continuing to develop and commercialize these lifesaving innovative oligonucleotide based drugs.”