Merck appoints Laszlo Radvanyi as head of global immuno-oncology research
pharmafile | November 4, 2015 | Appointment | Research and Development | Laszlo Radvanyi, Merck
Dr Laszlo Radvanyi has joined Merck as senior vice president and head of research in immuno-oncology.
The Merck Group says Radvanyi brings extensive immuno-oncology expertise to the role, having spent 10 years conducting research on tumours, and more than 25 years studying cellular and molecular immunology.
Prior to joining Merck, Radvanyi served as chief scientific officer at Lion Biotechnologies based in Tampa, Florida. He was responsible for developing novel technologies to produce next-generation drugs for lung, cervical and breast cancer. In this role, he was instrumental in driving the company’s metastatic melanoma program into clinical development in the first trial of its type performed outside an academic centre.
Earlier in his career, he served as professor of melanoma and breast medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He conducted clinical studies in metastatic melanoma. He also established and led an immuno-monitoring core facility at MD Anderson Cancer Centre for over nine years.
Radvanyi has a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in botany and a PhD in clinical biochemistry with a focus on immunology, all from the University of Toronto, Ontario. Hs has published more than 100 peer-reviewed and invited research articles, and serves as an adjunct member of faculty in the department of immunology at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Centre in Tampa, Florida.
As the head of research in immuno-oncology at Merck, Radvanyi will focus on leading the discovery of oncology therapies that leverage the natural ability of the body’s immune system to fight cancer, as well as identifying biomarkers with the aim to deliver personalised treatments for patients. Radvanyi will contribute to shaping Merck’s immuno-oncology R&D strategy and driving its leadership position in the field.
Luciano Rossetti, head of global research and development, says: “We are honoured to have Laszlo join Merck. His vast experience across the field of immuno-oncology research is very impressive. His expertise and fresh perspective will add significant value to our early-stage immuno-oncology portfolio including combination and biomarker strategies for avelumab and other clinical candidates, as we endeavour to bring new therapeutic options to patients living with cancer.”
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