Portola Pharmaceuticals R&D Exec to Retire

Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Dr. John Curnutte, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and head of R&D, will retire on May 17, 2019, after more than eight years of service. Dr. Curnutte will remain in a consultancy role, providing guidance to Portola’s president and chief executive officer Scott Garland and engaging with key academic and scientific thoughtleaders in the field on the ongoing development of Andexxa [coagulation factor Xa (recombinant), inactivated-zhzo] and cerdulatinib.

On an interim basis, the company’s research efforts will be led by Pamela Conley, Ph.D., senior vice president of Research, who has contributed to the discovery and development of Portola’s portfolio for more than 15 years. The company expects to name a permanent Chief Medical Officer following an executive search. During the transition, Portola’s vice president of Medical Affairs, Jeff Myers, M.D., Ph.D., will serve as interim chief medical officer. Dr. Myers is a former pediatric cardiac surgeon with extensive experience leading Medical Affairs for a number of large biotech and pharmaceutical companies, including Gilead Sciences, Inc. and Genzyme.
 
"On behalf of the entire Portola team, I would like to thank John for shepherding Portola’s unique portfolio of potentially life-saving medicines through various stages of development and regulatory approval, and for his unwavering commitment to patients," said Mr. Garland. "John leaves behind a significant legacy of scientific accomplishment and we are grateful that the Company will continue to benefit from his guidance and counsel while he shifts his primary focus to spending more time with his family and grandchildren."

Dr. Curnutte said, "I am incredibly fortunate to have worked with such talented and passionate individuals, and to have had the opportunity to advance several truly innovative compounds with the potential to transform patient outcomes. I look forward to continuing to raise awareness and understanding of the clinical benefits of Andexxa while also helping to expand its potential to benefit even more patients."

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