Seagen Names David R. Epstein as Chief Executive Officer and Director
10.11.2022 15:00:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Seagen Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed David R. Epstein as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Epstein brings more than 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including more than 25 years at Novartis where he built its oncology business unit from initiation to second largest in the world and then served as CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a division of Novartis AG. More recently, he was executive partner at Flagship Pioneering. In addition, Seagen announced that Roger Dansey, M.D., who has served as Seagen’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) since 2018 and as Interim CEO since May 2022, has been appointed President, Research and Development. In this new role, Dr. Dansey will continue to serve as CMO reporting to David.
“Following a comprehensive search process, the Board selected David to serve as Seagen’s next CEO. He shares Seagen’s belief that our future is bright as we continue to build world-class capabilities in order to develop and commercialize new innovative treatments that improve the lives of patients with cancer. David’s demonstrated ability to build and scale a global oncology business, his experience in both large multi-faceted organizations and small biotechnology startups, combined with deep oncology knowledge, provide the strategic and operational expertise needed to lead Seagen to the next level,” said Felix J. Baker, Ph.D., Chair of the Board. “We are extremely grateful for Roger’s successful leadership and dedication as interim CEO. We look forward to Roger being able to focus his efforts on further strengthening our early research efforts, as he has successfully done for development, and driving the innovative engine that has been the heart of Seagen to have an even greater impact on cancer patients in the future.”
Mr. Epstein said, “I have long admired Seagen as a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative cancer therapies. Seagen is a pioneer in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology with a portfolio of four approved medicines, a diverse pipeline of promising programs, and a science-driven, patient-first culture. I am honored to become CEO and work with the experienced team to further deliver on Seagen’s mission to make a meaningful difference so that people who have been diagnosed with cancer can live better lives.”
“I welcome David to the Seagen team and look forward to working closely with him as we continue to bring forward novel ADCs and other targeted treatments for cancer patients,” said Dr. Dansey. “I am excited to bring my passion for science and innovation to my expanded role overseeing research and development as we continue to deliver on the full potential of our pipeline and programs.”
About David R. Epstein
David R. Epstein has more than 30 years of drug development, deal making, commercialization and people leadership experience on a global scale. Most recently, he was executive partner at Flagship Pioneering, a builder of breakthrough bioplatform companies. From 2010 to mid-2016 he served as CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a division of Novartis AG. Previously, David started and led Novartis’ Oncology and Molecular Diagnostic units. Over the course of his career, he led the development and commercialization of over 30 new molecular entities, including major breakthroughs such as Glivec, Tasigna, Gilenya, Cosentyx and Entresto. Mr. Epstein holds a B.S. Degree in Pharmacy from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
About Roger Dansey, M.D.
Dr. Dansey joined Seagen as CMO in 2018, bringing extensive experience in cancer drug development. Previously, he was Therapeutic Area Head for Late-Stage Oncology at Merck & Co., Inc., where he was responsible for registration efforts for Keytruda (pembrolizumab) across multiple tumor types. Earlier in his career, Dr. Dansey was the Vice President of Oncology Clinical Research at Gilead Sciences and the Global Development Lead for Xgeva (denosumab) at Amgen, where he held multiple roles in oncology and hematology.
About Seagen
Seagen is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative cancer medicines to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Seagen is headquartered in the Seattle, Washington area, and has locations in California, Canada, Switzerland and the European Union. For more information on the company’s marketed products and robust pipeline, visit and follow @SeagenGlobal on Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward looking, such as those, among others, relating to the potential of Seagen’s pipeline and programs, and the company’s efforts to build world-class capabilities in order to develop and commercialize new innovative treatments and to bring forward novel ADCs and other targeted treatments for cancer patients. Factors that may cause such a difference include, without limitation, the difficulty and uncertainty of pharmaceutical product development, the risk of adverse events or safety signals, the inability to show sufficient activity in clinical trials and the possibility of adverse regulatory actions. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seagen is contained under the caption “Risk Factors” included in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seagen disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221110005224/en/
Contact information
Peggy Pinkston
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
(425) 527-4160
ppinkston@seagen.com
Douglas Maffei, Ph.D.
Vice President, Investor Relations
(425) 527-4881
dmaffei@seagen.com
David Caouette
Vice President, Corporate Communications
(310) 430-3476
dcaouette@seagen.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
AI Meets Traditional Culture: Huangshan Captures Widespread Attention at ITB Berlin7.3.2026 11:22:00 EET | Press release
Huangshan, one of China’s most iconic scenic destinations, drew significant attention at this year’s ITB by presenting a compelling fusion of traditional Chinese culture and cutting-edge artificial intelligence under the slogan “The world of Huangshan is for the world.” This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260307909978/en/ International visitor admires Huangshan cultural and creative exhibits at the Huangshan stand during ITB Berlin. Located in eastern China’s Anhui Province, Huangshan is famed for its “Five Natural Wonders” — fantastic pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot spring and winter snow. The mountain is widely regarded as one of China’s greatest mountain landscapes. It is also a rare natural heritage site that simultaneously holds multiple international designations, including UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage status, a UNESCO Global Geopark and a World Biosphere Reserve. At ITB, the Huangsh
Incyte Announces the European Commission Approval of Zynyz ® (retifanlimab) for the First-Line Treatment of Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal Canal (SCAC)6.3.2026 23:42:00 EET | Press release
Incyte (Nasdaq:INCY) today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved Zynyz® (retifanlimab) in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel (platinum-based chemotherapy) for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic or with inoperable locally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC). “The EC approval of Zynyz marks an important step forward for patients with advanced SCAC, a rare cancer for which meaningful treatment advances have not occurred in several decades,” said Bill Meury, President and Chief Executive Officer, Incyte. “As the first PD-1 immunotherapy approved in Europe in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy in the first-line setting, Zynyz helps expand the standard-of-care options available to clinicians and underscores our commitment to delivering innovative medicines that can have an impact for patients.” The EC decision follows the January 2026 positive opinion received from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee f
Dfns Launches Payouts6.3.2026 22:27:00 EET | Press release
Dfns today announced the launch of Payouts, a new API enabling institutions to convert stablecoins to fiat and route payouts across multiple bank accounts while keeping wallet-level governance and controls in place. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260305327930/en/ Convert stablecoins to fiat and settle payouts to bank accounts in 94 countries, today. Solving the problem of single-rail off-ramps Today, most fintechs and institutions still hard-wire a single payout provider into their stack, or rely on vertically integrated models that bundle routing, pricing, custody, and settlement together. That approach may be convenient early on, but it creates structural problems at scale: weak price discovery because there is no competitive pressure on margins, limited auditability because routing decisions are opaque, and operational fragility because a single provider degradation in any corridor requires architectural i
Klarna Group Plc Clarifies Mechanics of March 9 Lock-Up Expiration6.3.2026 21:23:00 EET | Press release
Klarna Group plc (NYSE: KLAR) today issues the following clarification to ensure investors and market participants have accurate information regarding the mechanics of its lock-up expiration on March 9, 2026, the processes required before pre-IPO shares can be traded on the NYSE, and the prior liquidity opportunities already available to shareholders. This release contains only factual descriptions of the Company's share structure and applicable processes. It does not constitute guidance or a projection of any kind regarding future trading volumes, share price, or the intentions of any shareholder and speaks only as of the date of this press release. 1. 335 million locked-up shares — but two different categories Of the 378 million total ordinary shares outstanding, approximately 335 million are subject to lock-up restrictions expiring March 9, 2026. However, these shares fall into two distinct categories governed by separate sets of regulations. A. 159 million shares (48% of locked-up
Lone Star Funds Announces Agreement to Acquire the Capsules & Health Ingredients Division of Lonza Group AG6.3.2026 19:30:00 EET | Press release
Lone Star Funds (“Lone Star”) today announced that an affiliate of Lone Star Fund XII, L.P. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Capsules & Health Ingredients (“CHI”) division of Lonza Group AG. As part of the transaction, Lonza will retain a 40% equity position in the business. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, CHI operates globally across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The business comprises three segments: Hard Empty Capsules: leading global manufacturer of gelatin and plant-based capsules offering a broad range of innovative solutions for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical customers. Dosage Form Solutions: end-to-end development and manufacturing platform serving nutraceutical and pharmaceutical customers. Health Ingredients: provider of branded, science-backed nutrition ingredients serving joint health, energy and active lifestyle markets. Lone Star believes CHI is a high-quality, globally recognized platform with strong technical capabilities, different
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom