Lilly Creates Neuroscience and Immunology Business Units
US drugmaker Eli Lilly has announced changes to its executive leadership team as it creates two new business units in order to strengthen its focus on introducing breakthrough medicines for patients with unmet needs.
Effective Sept. 5, Lilly’s Bio-medicines business will split into Lilly Neuroscience led by Anne White and Lilly Immunology, headed by Patrik Jonsson.
Currently senior vice president and president of Lilly Oncology, White will take responsibility for Lilly’s launched products and Phase 3 portfolio in pain and neurodegeneration, including the potential launch of Alzheimer’s disease treatment donanemab, which the US Food and Drug Administration designated a Breakthrough Therapy in June.
Jonsson will add the role as president of Lilly Immunology to his existing responsibilities as senior vice president and president of Lilly USA and chief customer officer. He will lead Lilly’s launched products and Phase 3 portfolio of medicines in dermatology, gastroenterology and rheumatology.
Earlier this month, Lilly announced positive results for lebrikizumab for atopic dermatitis. It also received positive Phase 3 results in April for mirikizumab in treating ulcerative colitis.
Jacob Van Naarden, currently CEO of Loxo Oncology at Lilly, has been promoted to senior vice president, CEO of Loxo Oncology at Lilly and president of Lilly Oncology. He will also join Lilly’s executive committee. His task will be to unify the organizations.
Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist
