On May 28, 2019 Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATRA), a leading off-the-shelf, allogeneic T-cell immunotherapy company developing novel treatments for patients with cancer, autoimmune and viral diseases, reported the appointment of Pascal Touchon as President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors (Press release, Atara Biotherapeutics, MAY 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234536625]).
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Dr. Touchon has over 30 years of global biopharmaceutical leadership experience, most recently at Novartis Oncology serving as Global Head, Cell & Gene and member of the Oncology Executive Committee. Notably in this role he was accountable for the Oncology Cell & Gene unit financial performance and responsible for all activities including the global launch of KYMRIAH (tisagenlecleucel), securing regulatory approval and reimbursement in major markets, expanding global CAR T manufacturing and technical operations, overseeing multiple new clinical studies and building a strong leadership team.
Previously at Novartis, Pascal Touchon served as Global Head, Strategy, Business Development, Oncology where he was responsible for various activities including early commercial strategy, portfolio management, business development and external collaborations as well as member of the Oncology Executive Committee. Prior to joining Novartis Oncology, Dr. Touchon held leadership roles in research, marketing, general management and business development at various companies including Servier, Sanofi, Glaxo and Glaxo-Wellcome.
"We are delighted that Pascal Touchon will be Atara’s next Chief Executive Officer," said Carol G. Gallagher, Pharm.D., Atara’s Lead Independent Director. "His proven oncology leadership as well as CAR T development and global commercialization experience make him an ideal choice to lead Atara. We are confident that Pascal’s capability to unite cell and gene immunotherapy teams will help to guide strategy and execution in the years ahead and enable Atara to further realize its mission to transform the lives of patients with serious diseases."
In connection with Dr. Touchon’s appointment, Isaac Ciechanover stepped down from his role as President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective today. Dr. Ciechanover will serve as a special advisor to a subcommittee of the Board who will lead the Company until Dr. Touchon begins his tenure as President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors on June 24, 2019.
"When I announced my decision to step down in January, I had agreed to stay on until my successor was chosen," said Isaac Ciechanover M.D. "I am thrilled with the appointment of Pascal, who I know will lead the company in its next stages of growth."
"Isaac has been the inspiration and architect of Atara since its founding nearly seven years ago," added Dr. Gallagher. "We thank him for his leadership and vision building a world-class T-cell and CAR T immunotherapy company. We wish him the very best in his next endeavor."
In addition, Dr. Dietmar Berger, Atara’s Global Head of Research and Development, has resigned from the Company effective as of May 31, 2019 to pursue other opportunities.