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
New Auction Record Set as Falcon Sells for AED 1.5 Million at ADIHEX 202630.8.2026 00:54:00 EEST | Press release
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the fifth auction held as part of the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 attracted remarkable turnout, culminating in the sale of a Qarmousha Pure Ultra White falcon for AED 1.5 million (USD 408,000). The sale marks the highest price achieved at any auction during this year’s edition of the exhibition. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260829032621/en/ Qarmousha Pure Ultra White (Photo: AETOSWire) This forms part of the largest auction programme in the exhibition’s history, held under the theme “A Legacy of Pride,” organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The exhibition runs until 6 September. The falcon, owned
Takeda Receives U.S. FDA Approval of MIMRYLO™ (rusfertide), Marking a Potential Shift in the Treatment Paradigm for Polycythemia Vera29.8.2026 01:40:00 EEST | Press release
Takeda (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK)announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the New Drug Application (NDA)* for MIMRYLO™ (rusfertide) for the treatment of erythrocytosis in adults with polycythemia vera (PV), a blood cancer. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260824773270/en/ MIMRYLO Logo MIMRYLO is a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic designed to regulate iron distribution in the body and red blood cell overproduction to control hematocrit levels, which is the ratio of red blood cells to the total amount of blood in the body. Maintaining controlled hematocrit levels below 45% is the primary treatment goal in PV.1 “For patients living with PV, uncontrolled hematocrit can have serious consequences, including an elevated risk of life-threatening thrombotic events," said Andrew T. Kuykendall, M.D., VERIFY lead investigator and Associate Member in the Department of Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center. “Curre
Rigaku and Tohoku University Establish a New Research Institute for X-Ray Metrology28.8.2026 17:00:00 EEST | Press release
Rigaku Corporation, a group company of Rigaku Holdings and a global solutions partner for X-ray analytical systems (Head Office: Akishima, Tokyo; President and CEO: Jun Kawakami; “Rigaku”), and Tohoku University (Sendai, Miyagi; President: Teiji Tominaga; “Tohoku University”) have established the Rigaku-Tohoku University Co-Creation Research Institute for X-ray Metrology: Beyond The Limits (the “Institute”) at Tohoku University on August 1, 2026. The Institute will advance X-ray metrology technology, develop new metrology methods, and foster the next generation of researchers through an initial three-year collaboration, with the possibility of extension based on its achievements. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260828688510/en/ Inside the Institute As semiconductors become smaller, more multilayered, and incorporate a wider range of materials, manufacturing processes are becoming increasingly complex. X-ray me
BLK: Portfolio Company of Enry’s Island S.p.A., Lists on Euronext Dublin28.8.2026 16:34:00 EEST | Press release
Enry’s Island S.p.A. (WBAG:EIOS), an international venture builder with headquarters in the Tremiti Islands and the Metaverse, announces that BLK Global PLC, one of the portfolio companies within its ecosystem, has successfully completed its admission to trading on Euronext Access Dublin. Trading in the company’s shares commenced on Friday, July 31, 2026, under ticker BLKX and ISIN GB00BPSKS130. BLK was one of the thousands of applications received by Enry’s Island which, following an assessment process based on the Enry’s Model, was selected for a one-year incubation and acceleration programme. The programme supported the company through its subsequent growth stages, ultimately leading to its current stock market listing. Alessandro Pacciana, Investor Relations Manager of Enry’s Island S.p.A., said: “BLK’s listing is the second stock market listing in two years among Enry’s Island’s portfolio companies, while Enry’s Island itself is the world’s first listed venture builder. We are pro
Zambon Announces European Commission Approval of Hopledo® for Adults with Parkinson's Disease and Moderate to Severe Motor Fluctuations28.8.2026 12:00:00 EEST | Press release
Zambon today announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Hopledo® (modified-release levodopa/carbidopa) for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson’s disease and moderate to severe motor fluctuations who have not been sufficiently stabilized with oral levodopa/dopa decarboxylase (DDC) inhibitor-based treatment regimens. Zambon expects to begin the phased introduction of Hopledo® across European markets starting October 2026. The company is working closely with healthcare authorities and other stakeholders to support timely access for people with Parkinson’s disease who continue to experience moderate to severe motor fluctuations despite current oral therapies. Hopledo® is a first-in-class, oral, modified-release formulation of levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) approved for the treatment of motor fluctuations of Parkinson’s disease, the fastest growing neurological condition in the world according to the World Health Organization1. Despite availab
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