Pharmaceutical Industry Sees Leadership Shifts and Agency Appointments

In a week marked by significant leadership changes across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, several companies have announced new executive appointments, while a key government agency has named a new director. These moves signal ongoing efforts to drive innovation and growth in the industry.

Biotech Firms Appoint New CEOs

Gregory Kunst, a veteran in the ophthalmology biotech field, has been named CEO of Valitor. Kunst, who previously led Aurion Biotech before its sale to Alcon, brings extensive clinical and commercial experience to his new role. At Valitor, he will focus on advancing the company's lead wet age-related macular degeneration candidate, VLTR-559, into clinical trials.

In another significant appointment, Timothy Noyes has taken the helm as CEO and president of Newleos Therapeutics, replacing founding CEO David Donabedian, Ph.D. Noyes, with over 30 years of experience in leading biotech companies, will guide Newleos in its mission to develop new treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Government Agency Welcomes New Leadership

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has sworn in Alicia Jackson, Ph.D., as its new director. Jackson, who previously worked at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and founded the digital women's health platform Evernow, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her appointment comes after the departure of former director Renee Wegrzyn, Ph.D., in February.

Executive Reshuffling Across the Industry

Several other companies have announced changes in their leadership teams:

• Generation Bio is transitioning its CEO, Geoff McDonough, M.D., to chair of the board, with Chief Legal Officer Yalonda Howze stepping in as interim CEO.
• Savara has promoted Yasmine Wasfi, M.D., Ph.D., to chief medical officer, succeeding Ray Pratt, M.D.
• Basking Biosciences has appointed Julia Owens, Ph.D., as its new CEO, with founding chief Richard Shea moving to the chief operating officer position.

These leadership changes reflect the dynamic nature of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as companies seek to position themselves for future growth and innovation in an ever-evolving market landscape.