Genentech names new vice president of neuroscience

In this newly created position, Mr Sheng will be responsible for directing neurobiology drug discovery efforts at Genentech and will oversee the department of neurobiology. He will report to Marc Tessier-Lavigne, executive vice president, research drug discovery.

Mr Sheng will be joining Genentech from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he is Menicon professor of neuroscience at the Power Institute for Learning and Memory and RIKEN-MIT Neuroscience Research Center in the departments of brain and cognitive science, and biology.

Mr Sheng received a bachelor of arts in physiology from Oxford University (UK) and his medical degree from London University. He holds a doctorate in molecular genetics from Harvard University.

Richard Scheller, executive vice president, research and chief scientific officer of Genentech, said: “We are excited that Morgan will be joining the R&D leadership team. Over the past several years we have initiated major projects in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).

“We are beginning to expand more broadly into other areas such as psychiatric disorders and pain. Morgan’s interest in these areas and experience in the discovery of novel therapeutic targets will make him a superb addition as we expand our programs in neuroscience.”