The company has initiated a search for a successor that will consider internal and external candidates. Dr Pickett will continue to head R&D until his successor is appointed.
Dr Pickett will remain on the company’s board of directors after he steps down from his executive position.
James Mullen, CEO of Biogen Idec, said: “Cecil was recruited to transform Biogen Idec’s pipeline, build an exceptional leadership team and select a successor to lead R&D for the next decade. With 22 programs in Phase II and beyond, our pipeline is now among the strongest in the industry and rivals those of companies substantially larger than Biogen Idec. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his insights as a member of our board of directors.”