Roche Designates New VP, Head Of Medicinal Chemistry

Karen is expected to be responsible for small molecule drug discovery in oncology, virology and inflammation at Roche’s Nutley facility. Additionally, She will oversee Nutley discovery chemistry management team and be a member of the Global Chemistry Leadership Team.

Most recently, Karen was the vice president of discovery medicine chemistry at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where she was responsible for overseeing more than 150 GSK chemists in both the UK and US as well as extensive external resources in China, India, Europe, and the US.

Also, as a member of the GSK Molecular Discovery Executive Team, Karen was responsible for the entire early stage research portfolio.

Hans-Joachim Boehm, global head of chemistry at Roche, said: “Karen’s appointment reinforces Roche’s continuing commitment to innovation and to being at the forefront of medical discovery. Her extensive experience and knowledge of the industry will serve Roche well as we address the challenge of bringing new medicines to patients with unmet medical needs.”

Karen said: “I am excited about contributing to Roche’s drug discovery efforts and look forward to working in a research-based organization committed to creating effective medicines.”