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"Pfizer Taps Novartis Executive to Succeed Retiring Suneet Varma as Oncology Commercial Chief"

NextEdge Admin

29 Jun 2024

3 min 4 sec

Pfizer has appointed Tina Deignan, Ph.D., as its new oncology commercialization leader following the retirement of Suneet Varma, who has been with the company for 15 years. Deignan joins from Novartis, where she led the U.S. oncology business, bringing extensive experience from both Novartis and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), particularly in oncology, including notable achievements in cancer immunotherapy.

Varma, who joined Pfizer through the Wyeth acquisition in 2009, played a pivotal role in Pfizer's oncology unit, overseeing its evolution and strategic direction. His departure comes amidst Pfizer's ambitious goal to market eight blockbuster cancer drugs by 2030, up from five currently, following its acquisition of Seagen.

Deignan's transition into her new role at Pfizer will occur in fall 2024, with Varma remaining until early 2025 to ensure a seamless handover. Rodney Gillespie, previously at Novartis, has taken over as the U.S. oncology chief, underscoring Pfizer's strategic focus and leadership adjustments within the oncology domain.

Pfizer's oncology efforts are notably anchored in four key areas: breast, genitourinary, hematology, and thoracic cancers. Despite ongoing cost-cutting initiatives across Pfizer, Varma assured that oncology would remain insulated, having completed its post-merger consolidations. He emphasized the department's readiness to integrate additional products, highlighting Pfizer's competitive stance in the oncology market.

Deignan's immediate priorities include managing the market dynamics of Pfizer's leading oncology assets, such as Ibrance and the Braftovi-Mektovi duo, which compete directly with Novartis' Kisqali and Tafinlar-Mekinist, respectively. She will also oversee strategic maneuvers in response to competitors' moves, such as Novartis' potential expansions and FDA filings in prostate cancer treatments.

With Pfizer's oncology unit poised for growth and innovation, Deignan's leadership will be pivotal in navigating competitive landscapes, driving product advancements, and achieving the company's ambitious blockbuster drug targets by 2030. Her appointment underscores Pfizer's commitment to bolstering its oncology portfolio and reinforcing its position in the global pharmaceutical market.