MSL London creates healthcare practice

Headed by MD Richard Hayhurst, MSL Health has been founded following the acquisition of US technology and healthcare agency Schwartz Communications last September.

Former nutritionist and Burson-Marsteller director Caroline Cooper has been brought in as director of the new practice. MSL London is to launch its EMEA health arm in Geneva, in June.

Kelly Walsh, CEO, MSL London, said: 'The pharmaceutical industry has been transformed during the past five years, and the acquisition of Schwartz and merging of the teams has allowed us to create an offering in this growth area.'

The agency has only focused on consumer healthcare since 2010 and Schwartz's ten-strong team of biotech, e-health medical technology and pharma experts has provided a 'holistic approach to health PR', according to Hayhurst.

Since the acquisition, the agency has won business from industry giant GlaxoSmithKline, with a pharma brief to promote new cancer drug Votrient. It has also been appointed by hearing implant firm Cochlear and provided digital and strategic planning services for existing client Randox Laboratories.

Hayhurst, who has more than 30 years' experience in healthcare PR, said: 'I don't think you would find many agencies that have such a well-balanced offering. I am looking forward to using this as a driver for growing MSL's healthcare credentials both nationally and globally.'