Novavax announces change in leadership
Appoints new ceo and chairman
Erck has been a member of Novavax's senior management team for the last year and has extensive experience in the biotechnology sector. From 2000–2008 he was president and chief executive of Iomai Corporation, leading the company through an initial public offering and a merger with Austrian vaccine company Intercell. Prior to this, he was president and chief executive of immunology company Procept; vice president, corporate development at Integrated Genetics (now Genzyme), and in management positions at Baxter International.
Young, who joined the board in April 2010, has more than 30 years of experience in molecular genetics, microbiology, immunology and pharmaceutical development. He was previously president of research and development, including responsibility for regulatory affairs, at MedImmune where he was instrumental in the development of FluMist and Synagis. In 2005, Young was awarded the Albert B Sabin Humanitarian Award. Prior to MedImmune, he was influential in building the department of molecular genetics at Smith Kline & French Laboratories (now part of GlaxoSmithKline), which culminated in him becoming director, department of Molecular Genetics.
‘We expect these gentlemen will dynamically lead the company and its vaccine candidates towards important worldwide products. Their strong leadership skills and broad experience in drug development will be invaluable to Novavax as the company works to advance its infectious disease pipeline of virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidates,’ said Gary Evans, of Novavax's board of directors.
