PARIS, France, July 16, 2018 – Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical company, announced today the appointment of David K. Lee as CEO of its new U.S. commercial subsidiary, Servier Pharmaceuticals (Boston, MA). As part of his new role, David K. Lee will be responsible for developing a strong commercial presence in the United States with the existing portfolio to be enriched with close-to-market or marketed innovative products, in line with the Group’s strategy. He will report to Olivier Laureau, President of Servier group. This appointment is part of a definitive agreement to acquire Shire’s Oncology business and will take effect upon closing of the transaction, following clearance by the relevant merger control authorities.
David K. Lee will lead the Servier Pharmaceuticals U.S. subsidiary which already includes one in- market oncology product, ONCASPAR®i. He will bring to his new role extensive expertise in the development and growth of pharmaceutical products, particularly in oncology which is one of Servier group’s priority therapeutic areas.
David K. Lee is currently head of Shire’s Global Genetic Diseases and Oncology franchises. Prior to integrating with Shire, David worked as Head of Strategy for the Oncology Franchise at Baxalta, where he focused on growing the group’s operations and portfolio. Previously, he held various leadership roles with Novartis including in commercial strategy, marketing, government relations and overseeing the successful clinical trial execution and launch of novel products. Prior to Novartis, David worked as a life sciences management consultant to leading pharmaceutical companies. He did his graduate studies at Harvard Medical School and Harvard Business School, and concentrated in Biochemistry with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College.
The acquisition of the Oncology branch of Shire enables the Group to establish an immediate and direct commercial presence in the U.S. through the Servier Pharmaceuticals subsidiary. This acquisition also significantly strengthens Servier’s oncology portfolioii and contributes to its strategic ambition to become a global biopharmaceutical company.
About Servier
Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,600 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25% of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier’s constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Servier also offers eHealth solutions beyond drug development.
Media Contacts
Servier Group
Sonia Marques
sonia.marques@servier.com
Disclosure Notice
Servier’s project to acquire Shire’s oncology branch remains subject to legal and regulatory approvals. Until closing of the transaction, Servier and Shire will continue to operate as independent companies in the oncology space. The transfer of employees between Shire and Servier is conditional upon local requirements.
i ONCASPAR®, (Pegaspargase), a component of multi-agent treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
ii This acquisition also significantly strengthens Servier’s oncology portfolio with in-marketed products, ONCASPAR® and ONIVYDE® (irinotecan pegylated liposomal formulation), in the ex-U.S. territories where Servier is already present.