Industry Shakeup: Former FDA Official Joins Eli Lilly, Leadership Changes at OSE and TRIO

In a series of significant leadership changes, the pharmaceutical industry sees notable shifts as key figures move between regulatory bodies and private sector roles. These developments promise to reshape the landscape of drug discovery and development, particularly in the realms of infectious diseases and cancer research.

Peter Marks Transitions to Eli Lilly After FDA Departure

Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., the former head of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), has joined Eli Lilly as senior vice president of molecule discovery and head of infectious disease. This move comes after Marks' nearly decade-long tenure at CBER, which ended earlier this year following disagreements with Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccine policy.

Marks' departure from the FDA was marked by controversy, with his resignation letter expressing hope for an end to the "unprecedented assault on scientific truth." His transition to Eli Lilly brings valuable regulatory experience to the pharmaceutical giant's infectious disease research efforts.

Leadership Reshuffles at OSE Immunotherapeutics and TRIO Pharmaceuticals

French biotech OSE Immunotherapeutics has announced a change in its top leadership. Nicolas Poirier, Ph.D., who had been serving as both CEO and chief scientific officer since 2022, will step down from the CEO role. Marc Le Bozec, an experienced biotech founder and investor, will take over as interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent replacement.

Meanwhile, TRIO Pharmaceuticals has welcomed former Pfizer scientist Mikael Dolsten, M.D., Ph.D., as chairman of the board and independent director. Dolsten, who spent over 15 years leading Pfizer's research efforts as chief scientific officer and president of R&D, brings extensive experience to the preclinical biotech as it advances its TRAILBody antibody platform for cancer treatment.

Other Notable Appointments and Departures

The industry continues to see a flurry of leadership changes across various companies:

• Stoke Therapeutics has named Ian Smith as its permanent CEO, following his interim role that began in March.
• BPGbio has appointed Brian Berman, M.D., Ph.D., as interim chief medical officer.
• Theolytics has added Matilde Saggese, M.D., to its team as chief medical officer.
• Lumen Bioscience has appointed former Microsoft exec and Gates Foundation CEO Jeff Raikes as an independent director.
• Jefferson Life Sciences, a new investment firm, has named Laura Lande-Diner, Ph.D., as managing partner.
• FairJourney Biologics has found a new CEO in Werner Lanthaler, Ph.D., formerly of Evotec.
• Italfarmaco will see Francesco Di Marco, Ph.D., take over as CEO from Carlos Barallobre on January 1.
• Zymeworks has brought on Adam Schayowitz, Ph.D., as acting Chief Development Officer in a part-time capacity.

These leadership changes reflect the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical industry, with companies positioning themselves for future growth and innovation in key areas such as infectious diseases, cancer research, and biotechnology.