Viatris Inc. has appointed former BioAtla, Inc., President Scott A. Smith as its new CEO.
Where do I know him from?
Smith previously served as the president of BioAtla, Inc., a global biotech company developing conditionally-active biologics (BAC) antibody therapeutics.
He is also the former president and COO at Celgene Corporation; his 10-year experience with the company includes working within its inflammation and immunology sectors in various executive roles.
What’s happening to his predecessor?
The company announced that Michael Goettler, the first CEO of Viatris since its establishment in 2020, will be working with Smith for a smooth leadership transition.
Tell me more about Smith.
He is a 35+ year veteran of the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, where he served in senior and executive roles.
While at Celgene, he built and oversaw the clinical development, registration, and global commercial launch of the drug Otezla (apremilast), a pill indicated for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis. The medication was acquired by Amgen in 2019.
Give me the big picture.
With Viatris now entering its phase 2 of the company’s strategic plan for 2024, Smith’s experience organically building commercial product franchises, business development, and partner activities will be advantageous for the company, particularly in light of selling off of its biologics division to Biocon Biologics, future divestitures, and the recent formation of the Viatris Eye care Division (as a result of its acquisitions of Oyster Point Pharma and Famy Life Sciences).
What’s in the company’s pipeline?
See here for an updated list.
When is the transition effective?
Per Viatris, Smith will officially take over leadership duties on April 1, 2023.