EDISON, N.J., April 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. today announced the appointment of Antoine Yver, MD, MSc, to Global Head, Oncology Research and Development, effective April 1, 2016.
In this newly created role, Dr. Yver will report to Glenn Gormley, MD, PhD, Senior Executive Officer and Global Head, Research & Development, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. and Chairman of the Board and President, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., and will have responsibility for leading all of the global research and development across the oncology therapeutic area including external investments, internal pipeline decisions, and resourcing requirements.
“Antoine brings a strong track record of extensive scientific leadership in many facets of global oncology pharmaceutical research and development along with tremendous passion for science and patients,” said Dr. Gormley. “We are confident that Antoine will provide great leadership and strategic insights in this new role, which underscores Daiichi Sankyo’s commitment to the fight against cancer.”
Dr. Yver joins Daiichi Sankyo from AstraZeneca, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology, Global Medicines Development, and Global Medicines Development China Lead across all therapeutic areas. Prior to joining AstraZeneca in 2009, he held several international oncology drug development positions at Merck/Schering-Plough, Johnson & Johnson and Rhône-Poulenc Rorer/Aventis.
“I’m excited to join such a respected company and further build its presence in this important field,” said Dr. Yver. “I have been most impressed by the quality of science at Daiichi Sankyo and the company’s strong commitment towards becoming an innovator in bringing new therapeutic options to people living with cancer.”
A board-certified pediatric oncologist in France, Dr. Yver earned his medical degree with honors and completed a masters in pediatric oncology and immunology at Paris XI University.
About Daiichi Sankyo Oncology
Daiichi Sankyo is focused on the discovery and development of novel oncology agents with the goal of delivering first-in-class and best-in-class treatments that address unmet medical needs. The oncology pipeline of Daiichi Sankyo continues to grow and currently includes both small molecules and monoclonal antibodies with novel targets in both solid and hematological cancers.
Daiichi Sankyo currently has four compounds in phase 3 clinical development in the U.S., each with a unique mechanism of action, with three focusing on rare or orphan indications. These investigational compounds include quizartinib, an oral FLT3 inhibitor, for relapsed or refractory FLT3-ITD-positive acute myeloid leukemia (AML); pexidartinib (PLX3397), an oral CSF-1R inhibitor, for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) being developed with Plexxikon, a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group; tivantinib, an oral MET inhibitor, for second-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in partnership with ArQule, Inc.; and patritrumab, a HER3 monoclonal antibody, for non-small cell lung cancer.
About Daiichi Sankyo
Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 16,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to its strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension, dyslipidemia, bacterial infections, and thrombotic disorders, the Group’s research and development is focused on bringing forth novel therapies in cardiovascular-metabolic diseases, pain management, and oncology, including biologics. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is a member of the Daiichi Sankyo Group. For more information on Daiichi Sankyo, Inc., please visit: www.dsi.com.
Contact
Kimberly Wix
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
kwix@dsi.com
(973) 944-2338
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SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
