Agilent Names John Palma to Lead Global Medical Affairs Organization

Rhea-AI Summary

Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A) announced the appointment of John Palma as vice president of Medical Affairs. With over 26 years in diagnostics and research, Palma will lead the companywide Global Medical Affairs organization, focusing on liquid biopsy development. His prior experience includes senior roles at Roche, enhancing Agilent's position in cancer diagnostics and precision oncology. This strategic move follows Agilent's acquisition of Resolution Bioscience, demonstrating a commitment to advancing capabilities in next-generation sequencing.

Positive

• Appointment of John Palma as VP of Medical Affairs enhances leadership in diagnostics.
• Palma's expertise to expand capabilities in liquid biopsy and cancer diagnostics.
• Strategic alignment with recent acquisition of Resolution Bioscience to boost Agilent's market position.

Negative

• None.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that John Palma has joined the company as vice president, Medical Affairs. In this role, he will build and lead the companywide Global Medical Affairs organization.

John Palma, Agilent vice president of Medical Affairs. (Photo: Business Wire)

Palma has more than 26 years of experience in the development, management, and delivery of complex diagnostics and research products. He has consulted with global, clinical, and key opinion leaders for the advancement of high medical value companion diagnostics and has been engaged in working across the pathology and molecular laboratory customer segments. Palma’s background includes deep expertise in the design and execution of liquid biopsy strategy, including clinical studies, health outcomes, development, and management.

“We’re extremely pleased John has joined the Agilent team,” said Dr. Kate Knobil, Agilent chief medical officer. “His role will be critical to establishing our Global Medical Affairs organization as he drives important links across our commercial, marketing, R&D and quality and regulatory affairs organizations. John’s experience will create new capabilities for us as we expand our presence in next generation sequencing, and he will be key to our efforts driving Agilent strategy for liquid biopsy development.”

Prior to joining Agilent, Palma served in several roles at Roche over the last 10 years. Most recently, he was vice president, head of Medical & Scientific Affairs and chief medical officer for the Roche Sequencing Solutions business.

“John’s insights and background will help us expand our position in cancer diagnostics, and specifically in precision oncology,” said Sam Raha, president of Agilent’s Diagnostics and Genomics Group. “His addition builds on our acquisition of Resolution Bioscience earlier this year and reaffirms our commitment to being a preferred partner to pharmaceutical companies for companion diagnostic development, registration and commercialization, and to clinical labs around the world for cancer diagnostic testing.”

In addition to memberships across a broad list of medical professional organizations, Palma has been involved in six successful patent application awards and has co-authored more than three dozen technical papers.

Palma received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Manhattan College and his doctorate in microbiology and immunology from State University of New York, Downstate.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation toward improving the quality of life. Agilent instruments, software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers to customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $5.34 billion in fiscal year 2020 and employs 16,400 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, please subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211102006093/en/

Tom Beermann

+1 408 386 5892

tom.beermann@agilent.com

Source: Agilent Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

Who is John Palma and what is his role at Agilent Technologies?

John Palma is the new vice president of Medical Affairs at Agilent Technologies, responsible for leading the Global Medical Affairs organization.

What is Agilent Technologies' focus with the new VP of Medical Affairs?

Agilent aims to enhance its capabilities in liquid biopsy and cancer diagnostics under Palma's leadership.

How many years of experience does John Palma have?

John Palma has over 26 years of experience in diagnostics and research.

What strategic move follows the hiring of John Palma?

Agilent's hiring of Palma follows its acquisition of Resolution Bioscience, aimed at strengthening its position in precision oncology.

What was John Palma's role before joining Agilent Technologies?

Prior to Agilent, Palma served as vice president and chief medical officer at Roche Sequencing Solutions.