GSK’s research chief leaves for Gates Foundation
pharmafile | February 9, 2006 | News story | Research and Development |
GlaxoSmithKline's head of research and development Tachi Yamada is to leave the company, having been recruited by Bill Gates to lead a global programme to fight diseases in the developing world.
Yamada is 61 this year and departs ahead of his planned retirement date at GSK, where he oversaw an ambitious re-organisation of the company's R&D infrastructure, a long-term plan now seemingly near fruition.
GSK's chief executive Jean-Pierre Garnier said: "Tachi has been a principal architect behind the transformation and dramatic improvement in GSK's R&D productivity, and he leaves GSK in a position of strength. We now have an impressive pipeline of innovative medicines that will benefit patients around the world and provide a strong platform for GSK's future prosperity."
Moncef Slaoui, current head of global business development and external R&D alliances has been named as the man to succeed Yamada.
Announcing Moncef's appointment, Garnier said he was a highly regarded scientist in industry and academia, who had played a key role in the development of GSK's pipelines during 17 years with the company.
"His expertise in new product development will enable him to lead GSK''s R&D organisation into a new era, as it delivers its exciting new pipeline," said Garnier.
Dr Yamada said: "I am proud to have been part of GSK, a business that makes a real difference to millions of patients all over the world. Our R&D organisation is in excellent shape and I am confident that under Moncef's leadership, GSK will continue to deliver many innovative medicines of significant value to patients."
In his new role, Yamada will lead the foundation's efforts to develop and deliver drugs, vaccines, and other tools to fight developing-world diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria.
Yamada will be in charge of the foundation's global health grant portfolio, amounting to more than $5.7 billion in funds – a huge sum even greater than the $4 billion GSK spends every year on its in-house R&D.
Jean-Pierre Garnier added: "Tachi has a rare combination of skills and talents: he knows how to manage large organisations, he has keen scientific insight, and as a physician, he understands the real needs of patients. I'll miss him, personally and professionally, but Im delighted that he is joining such a groundbreaking organisation."
GSK and the Gates Foundation have already forged close links on developing new medicines for neglected diseases, with Yamada's move certain to consolidate their partnership.
In October last year the Foundation announced a $107.6 million grant to help GSK develop a new malaria vaccine for children in Africa in partnership with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI).
