Glaxosmithkline has appointed Laurie Glimcher, an expert in the field of immuno-oncology and a champion of women in science, to its board, signalling its intention to focus on science and innovation.
Dr Glimcher’s appointment comes shortly before Emma Walmsley, Glaxo’s chief executive, is expected to provide details on her plans for overhauling drug research and address investors’ concerns when she presents second-quarter results on Wednesday.
Ms Walmsley sees bigger returns from research and development and fewer and larger drug launches as a top priority. She has called for the company’s R&D and commercial divisions to work together earlier in the science process.
The appointment of Luke Miels as global head of pharmaceuticals is widely regarded as a step in this process. Ms Walmsley has said that Mr Miels, who joins in September from Astrazeneca, will “bring a strong new voice to the decisions we will have to make for our pharmaceuticals business”.
When Ms Walmsley presented her first set of results in April, she put a shake-up of drug development at Glaxo at the heart of her leadership and indicated a willingness to “switch off” some areas if necessary.
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Glaxosmithkline is a leader in vaccines, consumer health and HIV medicine but it lags in other areas, including cardiovascular problems, rare diseases and diabetes.
Dr Glimcher’s arrival may signal a renewed interest in oncology, according to John Carroll, an analyst at Endpoints News. As chief executive of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, she heads one of the world’s leading cancer research centres and as a lab researcher she devoted years of her career to immuno-oncology.
Glaxo shares fell 10p to £16.15.