On May 17, 2018 Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) reported the appointment of Roger D. Dansey, M.D., as Chief Medical Officer (Press release, Seattle Genetics, MAY 17, 2018, View Source;p=RssLanding&cat=news&id=2349629 [SID1234526766]). Dr. Dansey brings extensive experience in cancer drug development, most recently from Merck Inc. where he was Therapeutic Area Head for Late Stage Oncology, responsible for the ongoing registration efforts for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) across multiple tumor types.

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"Roger’s appointment reflects the growing importance of late-stage clinical drug development at Seattle Genetics as we transition to a global, multi-product oncology company," said Clay Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. "Roger’s drug development and approval experience at industry leaders, including Merck, Gilead and Amgen, his deep oncology background and proven ability to collaborate and lead teams, make him an ideal fit for Seattle Genetics as we strive to bring transformative therapies to people with cancer."

Dr. Dansey stated, "This is an exciting time at Seattle Genetics with both a growing, approved drug in ADCETRIS as well as a product pipeline with important new opportunities, including three solid tumor programs in ongoing or planned pivotal trials. I look forward to working with the many talented individuals at Seattle Genetics to bring these new therapies to patients."

Roger D. Dansey was Senior Vice President at Merck Inc. from January 2015 to April 2018, where he led the company’s late-stage oncology development efforts including the approved PD-1 inhibitor, KEYTRUDA. Prior to joining Merck, Dr. Dansey was Vice President, Oncology Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences. He initially joined the industry at Amgen working in roles of increasing responsibility in Amgen’s oncology and hematology therapeutic area, including as Global Development Leader for XGEVA. He received his Medical Degrees from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dr. Dansey succeeds Jonathan Drachman, M.D., who will remain with Seattle Genetics as a strategic advisor for innovation. Dr. Siegall added, "Jonathan has been a key contributor and leader at Seattle Genetics since joining the company nearly 14 years ago. He has been instrumental in the development of ADCETRIS, the expansion of Research and Development and advancement of our robust pipeline of both antibody-drug conjugates and novel immuno-oncology programs. I look forward to working with Jonathan on innovation initiatives that can ultimately benefit cancer patients."