Photographer: Thos Robinson / Getty Images
Photographer: Thos Robinson / Getty Images
José Baselga, a renowned cancer doctor who led the oncology research and development arm of AstraZeneca Plc, has died.
A member of the American Association for Cancer Research, Baselga died of Creuzfeldt-Jacob disease, a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder, according to Spanish news. He was 61 years old.
Baselga has been responsible for the development of AstraZeneca cancer drugs since CEO Pascal Soriot used them in 2019 in his attempt to turn the physician into a leader in the lucrative field. The company invested nearly $ 7 billion that year in a Daiichi Sankyo Co. drug. which Baselga studied extensively at a top US medical center.
“He has established our oncology research and development function on a remarkable trajectory,” Soriot said in a statement Sunday. “His visionary leadership, deep scientific expertise and strategic perspectives have provided so many accomplishments that we can all be proud of and that will benefit patients’ lives in the years to come.”
Baselga supported the company’s work with Daiichi-Sankyo on the clinical development of two cancer drugs: Enhertu (trastuzumab deruxtecan) and datopotamab deruxtecan. He led a team to accelerate science in antibody-drug conjugates, cell therapy, epigenetics, and new cancer treatments, the company said.
Baselga, who came to AstraZeneca with limited corporate experience, was a controversial choice. He had just left his previous job as chief physician at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after receiving news from the pharmaceutical industry.
“With the assistance of John Lauerman.”