US-based Flagship Pioneering has appointed former Novartis Pharmaceuticals chief executive David Epstein as its executive partner.
In this newly-created position, Epstein will begin working with Rubius Therapeutics, a red blood cell-focused exploratory venture within the Flagship portfolio, as chairman of its board.
He brings over 25 years of drug development, commercialisation and leadership experience within the pharmaceuticals industry, most recently as chief executive officer of Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Prior to taking up this lead role in 2010, Epstein founded Novartis Oncology and Novartis Molecular Diagnostics in 1989, leading the start-up businesses as president and chief executive officer.
Dr Noubar Afeyan, founder and chief executive of Flagship, said: “David is a leader and long-time pioneer within the pharma industry, having developed dozens of new medicines benefiting millions of patients around the world.
“His progressive approach to science and business acumen gleaned over his tenured career in the pharmaceutical industry complements Flagship’s culture and team.
“We will apply his expertise broadly as we continue making and realising the maximum potential of disruptive innovations that yield unprecedented therapies.”