Chris Bowden joins Agios

Agios Pharma has named former Genentech VP Chris Bowden as chief medical officer.

Bowden spent eight years at Genentech as VP, product development for its oncology unit. During this time he worked on major cancer medicines, such as melanoma drug Zelboraf (vemurafenib) and Erivedge (vismodegib) for patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma.

Both drugs are now marketed by Roche since its takeover of Genentech in 2009.

Bowden's knowledge of oncology will benefit Agios as it prepares to advance the development of three candidates focused on cancer and inborn errors of metabolism.

“Agios is leading the investigation of precision medicine in the field of cellular metabolism, and has rapidly advanced several promising oral medicines to treat a range of serious diseases,” said Bowden.

Prior to working for Genentech Bowden spent three years as executive director for EMEA for Bristol-Myers Squibb. His earlier industry career includes spells as Janssen and Pharmacia.