Gilead Sciences names new haematology and oncology head

Gilead Sciences has announced the appointment of Dr Philippe Bishop as its new senior vice-president for haematology and oncology therapeutics.

Dr Bishop joins Gilead from Genentech, where he has served as vice-president of oncology product development since 2007, playing a major role in the development of the successful drug Avastin. He also previously led cancer drug research at Johnson and Johnson and Sanofi.

In his new role, he will report to Dr John McHutchison, executive vice-president for clinical research at Gilead Sciences, and will have responsibility for the company's oncology programmes. He will also join Gilead's executive committee.

Gilead has hired Dr Bishop with an eye to taking advantage of his clinical development expertise, translational focus and strategic leadership.

Mr McHutchison said: "Philippe's appointment reflects Gilead's ongoing commitment to further building a leading haematology and oncology therapeutic area."

Earlier this month, the company presented its latest research data at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, including new findings on its multipurpose oncology product Zydelig.