Daniel O’Day Named Chair of PhRMA Board

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Daniel O’Day, CEO of Gilead Sciences, is the new chair of the PhRMA board. Pfizer’s Albert Bourla and Sanofi’s Paul Hudson will also be joining the board in leadership roles, according to a press release.¹

PhRMA is a trade organization representing biopharmaceutical research companies.

In a press release, O’Day said, “PhRMA and its members have long worked together to create an environment where innovation can benefit millions of patients with life-changing medicines. I look forward to helping advance solutions that protect the innovation ecosystem and ensure that medicines are affordable for everyone. With the right policies, and the outstanding talent in the biopharmaceutical research industry, our country can continue to lead the world in scientific innovation.”

O’Day is replacing the former chair of the board, Novartis CEO Dr. Vas Narasimhan. According to Dr. Narasimhan, he and Novartis will continue to work with PhRMA and its member communities.

“Dan’s experience in our industry and his deep understanding of the evolving healthcare ecosystem make him a strong leader who can continue advancing progress in incentivizing scientific innovation and expanding access for patients,” said Dr. Narasimhan. “I’ve appreciated the progress we have made together on our policy priorities during my Chair-ship this past year. Scientific progress continues to lead to extraordinary medicines that benefit humanity.”

Dr. Albert Bourla, CEO of Pfizer, will also be joining the board as board chair-elect, while Sanofi’s CEO Paul Hudson will serve as treasurer. In the press release, Bourla said that he expects to continue to see significant scientific advancements in the coming year. He believes that the industry should remain focused on “promoting policies that encourage innovation and lower health care costs for all patients.”

In the same press release, Hudson stated that misaligned incentives result in medicines and treatments that are unaffordable for patients.

“The biopharmaceutical industry provides hope to people facing devastating diseases and delivers solutions for the biggest health care challenges,” said PhRMA President and CEO Stephen J. Ubl. “Daniel and the entire Gilead team have been leaders in our industry for many years, helping to tackle deadly diseases from HIV to cancer. His deep understanding of how our innovative ecosystem works and the threats it faces make him the right leader for our organization at this time.”

Source

1. Daniel O’Day of Gilead Sciences Becomes New Chair of PhRMA Board. PhRMA. February 21, 2024. Accessed on February 22, 2024. https://phrma.org/resource-center/Topics/Press-Release/Daniel-O-Day-New-Chair-of-PhRMA-Board