Gilead Sciences Appoints Flavius Martin, MD as Executive Vice President, Research

Rhea-AI Summary

Gilead Sciences (Nasdaq: GILD) has appointed Flavius Martin, MD, as Executive Vice President, Research, effective April 12, 2021, following the retirement of Bill Lee, PhD. Dr. Martin, previously associated with Amgen, brings extensive expertise in oncology and inflammation research. Gilead's Chairman and CEO, Daniel O’Day, expressed confidence in Dr. Martin's ability to enhance Gilead’s research portfolio, focusing on unmet medical needs. Bill Lee, who led various therapeutic advancements over 30 years, leaves a strong legacy at Gilead.

Positive

• Appointment of Flavius Martin is expected to bring fresh perspectives to Gilead's research initiatives.
• Dr. Martin's extensive experience in oncology and inflammation may strengthen Gilead's drug discovery capabilities.
• Continuation of commitment to research advancement in therapeutic areas including Virology, Immunology, and Oncology.

Negative

• Bill Lee's retirement may create a gap in experience within the leadership team.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) today announced that Flavius Martin, MD will join the company as Executive Vice President, Research, and will become a member of the company’s senior leadership team, reporting to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel O’Day. Dr. Martin will assume responsibility for Gilead’s research organization effective April 12, 2021. Bill Lee, PhD, is retiring from Gilead after three decades.

Dr. Martin brings to his new role significant experience overseeing industry-leading research, with particular expertise in oncology and inflammation. He joins Gilead from Amgen, Inc., where he most recently served as Vice President, Research Biology, leading discovery for Oncology, Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Research. He was also the site-head for Amgen South San Francisco. Prior to Amgen, Dr. Martin worked as a scientist and leader at Genentech, Inc.

“Flavius brings decades of experience in early drug discovery research and identification of promising therapeutic candidates,” said Mr. O’Day. “He has deep scientific expertise across therapeutic areas and has led the creation of high-quality portfolios in prior roles. I am delighted to welcome him to Gilead as we continue to expand and diversify our portfolio of new medicines.”

Dr. Martin received his MD at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania. He completed his postdoctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Division of Developmental and Clinical Immunology. He has published numerous papers on the role of immune cells in driving inflammatory diseases and cancer, and holds a number of patents related to his discoveries.

“Gilead has outstanding research and clinical development programs across Virology, Immunology and Oncology, and I am tremendously excited to be joining an organization with such a deep and talented scientific core,” commented Dr. Martin. “Throughout my career, I have been focused on translating scientific discoveries into the development of potential new therapies with the goal of helping people with unmet medical needs. I look forward to pursuing this mission together with the talented team at Gilead.”

Dr. Lee joined Gilead in 1991. Over his 30-year career with the company, he has overseen research programs across multiple therapeutic areas and has led the advancement of numerous therapies from early-stage research into clinical development. His expertise contributed to the discovery of medicines and the identification of external partnerships.

“Bill’s contributions over three decades have allowed Gilead to bring important new medicines to patients around the world,” said Mr. O’Day. “I am grateful to Bill for the high bar he has set for Gilead’s research organization and the commitment he demonstrated pursuing scientific advancements that transformed care for people with serious diseases.”

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

For more information on Gilead Sciences, please visit the company’s website at www.gilead.com, follow Gilead on Twitter (@GileadSciences) or call Gilead Public Affairs at 1-800-GILEAD-5 or 1-650-574-3000.

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FAQ

Who is the new Executive Vice President of Research at Gilead Sciences?

Flavius Martin, MD, has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President of Research at Gilead Sciences.

What experience does Flavius Martin bring to Gilead Sciences?

Dr. Martin has significant experience in overseeing research in oncology and inflammation, having previously worked at Amgen and Genentech.

When will Flavius Martin start his role at Gilead?

Flavius Martin will assume his responsibilities effective April 12, 2021.

What happened to Bill Lee at Gilead Sciences?

Bill Lee is retiring after a 30-year career at Gilead, during which he advanced numerous therapies from early-stage research to clinical development.

How might Dr. Martin's appointment impact Gilead's research strategy?

Dr. Martin's expertise is expected to enhance Gilead's ability to identify promising therapeutic candidates and advance its research portfolio.