Advertise With UsAdvertise on our extensive network of industry websites and newsletters.
Get the PBR newsletterSign up to our free email to get all the latest PBR
news.Biogen Idec, a biotechnology company into the manufacturing, discovery, development and commercialisation of therapies, has appointed George Scangos as new CEO and a member of board of directors, effective from July 15.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
Dr Scangos has an experience of nearly 25 years in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
Prior to joining Biogen Idec, he served as president and CEO at Exelixis since 1996. under his leadership, Exelixis has built a pipeline of 14 clinical compounds and forged numerous strategic partnerships.
Before working with Exelixis, Dr Scangos worked for 10 years with Bayer. He joined the company as a staff scientist, served as senior vice president of research and development, and most recently served as president of Bayer Biotechnology, where he took up the responsibility for manufacturing, research, process development, engineering, and quality assurance of Bayer’s biological products.
Previously, Dr Scangos was a professor of biology at Johns Hopkins University for six years.
William Young, chairman of Biogen Idec, said: “George’s appointment is the culmination of the board’s comprehensive selection process. The board is unanimous in its view that he is the fit for Biogen Idec. We welcome him to Biogen Idec, and we look forward to working together in the years ahead.”
Dr Scangos said: “As I approach day one, I see some clear priorities for the company. We have opportunities to advance the commercial business by driving the performance of Avonex, Tysabri and Rituxan, preparing our organisation and the marketplace for the launch of five new products over a three year period, and forging new alliances.
“Another priority is advancing our pipeline which includes hiring new head of R&D. We have a lot ahead of us, and I’m eager to get started.”