Following a six-month international search, the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute on Tuesday named a renowned cancer researcher turned pharmaceutical executive as it’s new CEO.
The appointment of Dr. Perry Nisen, a senior vice president for science and innovation at GlaxoSmithKline, was announced a press conference at Stanford-Burnham’s laboratories in La Jolla.
“I believe there’s a tremendous and unique opportunity at Sanford-Burnham and I feel privileged that I’ve been chosen as its next CEO,” Nisen said.
He said he wants to make the institute a “magnet to attract and recruit the best” scientists who can “shepherd scientific discovery through the clinic to patients.”
The theme of quickly turning cutting-edge basic research into new drugs and treatments was echoed by other Sanford-Burnham officials during the press conference.
“Dr. Nisen is an experienced biomedical researcher and proven leader in therapeutics development in the pharma industry, making him a great fit to lead the institute at this pivotal time,” said Gregory Lucier, chairman of the institute’s board of trustees. “Under Dr. Nisen’s leadership, Sanford-Burnham will expand its efforts to cross the traditional boundary between academic research and commercialization.”
Prior to joining GlaxoSmithKline, Nisen was a professor of neuro-oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
The 38-year-old institute has laboratories in La Jolla and outside Orlando and employs more than 1,000 scientists. In January, the institute received a $275 million anonymous donation to support its new strategic vision of rapidly turning basic research into new medicine.
