BMS appoints Saurabh Saha as senior VP, global head of translational medicine

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has appointed Saurabh Saha as its new senior vice president, global head of translational medicine in the company’s R&D unit.

Initially based at the pharma giant’s site at Waltham, Massachusetts until its new  research facility opens in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Saha will lead translational research to ensure disease understanding and asset-specific biology.

He said: “Throughout my career, I have had a passion for developing translational research strategies across disease areas, including oncology and immunology.

“I look forward to working with the R&D organisation to advance BMS’ industry-leading pipeline in a way that pushes the boundaries of science and enables us to rapidly deliver innovative medicines to patients with even greater precision.”

Saha’s expertise includes leading translational research and implementing drug discovery strategies that have resulted in the discovery and development of two first-in-class cancer therapies and the pioneering of new approaches for unmet medical needs across therapeutic areas and clinical modalities.

Prior to joining BMS, Saha was a partner at Atlas Venture, where he held numerous leadership positions with several of its portfolio biotech companies, including chief medical officer of Synlogic and chief executive officer of Delinia until its sale to Celgene.

He has also established translational research and development organisation BioMed Valley discoveries where he served as chief scientific officer and later president.

His other roles include consultant at McKinsey and Company and director and head of the new indications discovery unit at Novartis.

Tom Lynch, executive vice president and chief scientific officer, BMS, said: “Enhancing our translational medicine capability is critical to achieving our mission, and we are excited to add Dr. Saha’s broad leadership expertise to our team.”