Novartis’ Peter Maag appointed president and CEO of XDx

Dr Peter Maag has left his role as president Novartis Diagnostics to join US molecular diagnostics company XDx as president and CEO.

Dr Maag spent 11 years at Novartis, including spells as head of its operations in both South Korea and Germany, and now finds himself leading a company that has recently launched one its key products – the non-invasive AlloMap test to help doctors identify whether a heart transplant has been rejected.

“Peter brings to XDx a unique combination of diagnostics and pharmaceutical experience in diverse areas of medicine,” said Michael Goldberg, chair of XDx.

“Based on his successful track record we believe Peter is uniquely qualified to lead XDx in the execution of its core strategy, including accelerating sales and geographic reach of the company's lead asset, AlloMap.”

This track record includes helping drive growth in Novartis' blood screening business, which now screens 80 per cent of the US and 30 per cent of the global blood supply.

He also created the strategy for Novartis Diagnostics' $150m investment to develop novel diagnostic solutions in transplantation, infectious diseases and prenatal care, and oversaw the launch of 10 new products in Germany.

This experience will also help him in other aspects of his mandate at XDx, which include expanding the company's pipeline and working with the management team to seek additional corporate partnerships.