David Novack leaves Novartis for Dynavax

Vaccines-focused biopharma Dynavax has appointed David Novack, formerly of Novartis, to be its senior VP of operations and quality.

Novack was most recently global head of technical operations and supply chain for diagnostics at Novartis.

He also has senior vaccines experience at the pharma major, having previously served as global head of vaccine manufacturing strategy.

Prior to joining Novartis in 2006, Novack spent two years as VP, business development for vaccines company Vaxin.

From 1993 to 2004 Novack held several roles at MedImmune, working in business development, manufacturing and contract operations.

In his new role, he will support Dynavax as it prepares to advance hepatitis B vaccine Heplisav from a phase III candidate into a commercial product.

"David's background and experience will be a valuable addition to our senior management team," said president and chief medical officer, Dr Tyler Martin.

"We look forward to his contributions in the planning and implementation of a successful commercial manufacturing strategy for the advancement of Heplisav and long-term growth of the company."

In addition to Novack's appointment, Dynavax also announced that Stephen Tuck, VP, global technical operations is to step down at the end of March.