“Father of DNA” Join Inovio’s Board of Directors
Inovio Pharmaceuticals announced the appointment of David B. Weiner, PhD to its Board of Directors. Dr. Weiner is known as the “Father of DNA vaccines and immunotherapies” among the scientific community. As a world leader in immunology, Dr. Weiner’s work has been presented in 350 scientific publications and journals including Scientific American.
“David’s achievements have recast how we now think of vaccines. His knowledge and judgement will be invaluable to Inovio as we continue to advance differentiated immunotherapy,” says President and CEO of Inovio, Dr. J. Joseph Kim. The two, Dr. Kim and Dr. Weiner, co-founded VGX Pharmaceuticals in 2000 which later became Inovio Pharmaceuticals following a merger. Since 2000 Dr. Weiner has been Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.
Vedanta Announces New Chief Scientific Officer
With 30 years of experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug discovery and development Bruce L. Roberts, PhD joins Vedanta Biosciences, assuming the role of Chief Scientific Officer.
“Bruce brings decades of drug development experience across a broad range of novel biologic drug modalities and a proven track record of driving the discovery and development of multiple approved drugs in immunology,” says CEO of Vedanta, Bernat Olle, PhD.
The author of more than 50 publications, Roberts recently led the Neuro-Immunology and Immune-Medicated Disease Research at Sanofi Genzyme. Guidance by Roberts resulted in the introduction of therapeutic antibodies, gene therapies, cell therapies, and small molecules in clinical trials for cancer, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmunity treatments.
Adaptive Biotechnologies
Appoints Diego Miralles, MD as President of Adaptive Therapeutics. Dr. Miralles is recognized for his success at Johnson & Johnson, which he joined in 2005 as VP of Clinical Development, where he contributed to the development and approval of Prezista and Intelence. Most recently, he was the Global Head at J&J Innovation.
Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Selects Professor Fiona Watt as a non-executive director on its Board. During her 20-year stay at CRUK London Research Institute, Watt assisted in the establishment of the CRUK Cambridge Research Institute and the Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research in Cambridge. The international expert is admired for her work on epidermal stem cells.
European Medicines Agency (EMA)
Names Christa Wirthumer-Hoche, PhD as chair of its Management Board for the duration of three years. She has served as vice-chair since 2015. Dr. Wirthumer-Hoche earned a doctorate from Technical University of Vienna and also earned diplomas in chemistry and biochemistry. “As vice-chair, Christa has already demonstrated many times that she has the vision and leadership ability required for this important role,” states Executive Director, Guido Rasi.
Giant Creative/Strategy, LLC
The West Coast’s largest full-service independent healthcare communications agency appoints Joshua McCasland as SVP, Executive Creative Director. He will assist in the development of creative work that enables customer engagement and tells consolidated brand narratives across multiple channels. McCasland previously served as Senior Copywriter at McCann Torre Lazur.
NantKwest, Inc.
Appoints Fatih M. Uckun, MD, as Vice President of Research and Clinical Development. He will oversee the company’s scientific development strategy, pipeline, and clinical development programs. Dr. Uckun brings expertise in personalized medicine, oncology, and all stages of clinical development.
Novavax, Inc.
Welcomes Bob Darius as Senior Vice President, Quality Operations making him responsible for the company’s global quality operations in conjunction with quality assurance and quality control. He will also serve as a member of the senior management team. He brings with him 25 years experience, 10 of which he acquired while serving as VP Quality Operations at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
Noven Pharmaceuticals
Names Dolores Calicchio as Vice President of Human Resources. Calicchio will manage all human resource activities associated with Noven’s workforce across the U.S. She has more than 20 years experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Human Resources in the Carnival Cruise Lines.
Orthocell Limited
Appoints Professor Rocky Tuan, PhD to its Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. Known as a respected expert in regenerative medicine and stem cells, Dr, Tuan will instruct the company on strategic matters including clinical research and product development. He is currently the director of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Engineering also of the Centre for Military Medicine Research at the University of Pittsburgh.
PhRMA
Assigns George A. Scangos, PhD to succeed Kenneth C. Frazier as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Chosen because of his proven leadership as a scientist and researcher, he is also currently CEO of Biogen. He previously served as president and CEO of Exelixis, Inc.
Rigel Pharmaceuticals
Welcomes Anne-Marie Duliege, MD, MS as Chief Medical Officer after the retirement of Elliott Grossbard, MD, who served in the position for 14 years. Dr. Duliege’s experience in the biopharma industry will help advance the company’s product pipeline.
Scholar Rock
Announces the appointment of Yung H. Chyung, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. He has achieved recognition for his profitable leadership achievements at Dyax Corp. and Genzyme Corporation. Dr. Chyung earned his doctorate from Harvard Medical School and is distinguished for his experience on all facets of drug development.
Sun BioPharma, Inc.
Appoints Dalvir S. Gill, PhD, to its Board of Directors after the resignation of Dr. Thomas Neenan. Dr. Gill is the present CEO of TransCelerate BioPharma, Inc. and has been published in more than 30 scientific publications. He was also an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. Dr. Gill will help as Sun BioPharma’s lead product candidate, SBP-101, enters human clinical trials.
