EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Savient
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:
SVNT) today announced that its board of directors has named
John H. Johnson as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 31,
2011. Mr. Johnson will also serve as a member of Savient’s
board of directors.
Mr. Johnson brings significant biotechnology business experience
to Savient. Most recently, he served as a Senior Vice
President of Eli Lilly and Company and President of Lilly Oncology
Business Unit. From August 2007 to November 2009, Mr. Johnson
was Chief Executive Officer of ImClone Systems, which develops
targeted biologic cancer treatments, and served on ImClone’s board
of directors until the company was acquired by Lilly in November
2008.
“John is a seasoned and accomplished leader in the
biopharmaceutical industry and we are very fortunate to have him
join Savient as our CEO,” said Stephen O. Jaeger, Chairman of the
Board. “With the depth of his industry experience, we believe
John is the right person to help Savient bring KRYSTEXXA™
(pegloticase) to market and realize this novel drug’s full
potential, both for our shareholders and those adult patients
suffering from chronic gout refractory to conventional therapy.
Since securing FDA approval for KRYSTEXXA in September, we
have been focused on bringing this exciting new drug to market.
John is ideally suited to move us the rest of the way down
the road.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Savient at this exciting time,”
said Mr. Johnson. “KRYSTEXXA is a product that has potential
to make a significant difference in the lives of patients around
the world. I look forward to working with the dedicated and
talented Savient employees to bring relief to those adult patients
suffering from chronic gout refractory to conventional
therapy. My focus will be
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