AZ and Medimmune bolsters immuno-oncology leadership

AstraZeneca and its global biologics research and development arm MedImmune, has appointed Dr Geoffrey Kim and Dr Jean-Charles Soria, respectively.

Kim and his team will focus on the development of the company’s late-stage immuno-oncology combinations programme, aiming to develop combination regimens that will deliver innovative medicines to patients.

He most recently served the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as its director, division of oncology products in the office of haematology oncology products since 2015 and also had roles at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Soria also taking up a leadership role within AZ’s global biologics research and development arm MedImmune, will lead a team responsible for the group’s strategy, growth, and advancement of the early oncology biologics portfolio.

Prior to joining MedImmune, he served as a professor of medicine and medical oncology at South-Paris University and has also served as chair of the drug development department at the Institut Gustave Roussy - a leading cancer-research institute.

He will join the company in early September succeeding Dr David Berman, who has been appointed to the new role of senior vice president, immuno-oncology franchise.