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Nov 30 (Reuters) - GSK has hired one of the
scientists behind Pfizer's mRNA COVID-19 shot, Phil
Dormitzer, as its global head of R&D for vaccines and he will
join the British drugmaker from Dec. 3, GSK said on Tuesday.
By poaching one of Pfizer's top vaccine scientists who
played a pivotal role in developing its shot with BioNTech
, GSK is strengthening its ranks after lagging in
initial efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine.
"The importance of vaccines has never been clearer, and the
pace of technological innovation has rarely been greater ...
Phil's scientific expertise and significant experience ... will
be key to ensuring we remain a leader in this field," said Hal
Barron, GSK chief scientific officer and R&D president.
Dormitzer's appointment is also a coup for Chief Executive
Emma Walmsley as she defends GSK against activist shareholders.
She has faced questions over her leadership and also of the
scientific expertise at GSK as the company prepares to separate
off its consumer health business.
GSK has so far focused on producing its adjuvant technology
to boost the immune response of others' vaccines, and has teamed
up with companies such as Vir and CureVac to
develop treatments and improved mRNA vaccines.
Pfizer confirmed that Dormitzer was leaving the company.
"We are thankful to Phil for his deep contribution to
Pfizer’s scientific efforts and his unwavering commitment to
global health," the company said in a statement.
(Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru, Ludwig Burger in
Frankfurt and Michael Erman in New York
Editing by Keith Weir)
