Cambridge, MA – March 29, 2006– Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today that David R. Parkinson, M.D. has been named Senior Vice President, Oncology Research and Development. Based in San Diego, CA, he oversees all oncology discovery research efforts and the development of the oncology pipeline.
“Our goal is to make the leap from being a top U.S. company in hematologic tumors to being a global leader in oncology-from discovery to development to commercialization,” said James C. Mullen, Biogen Idec’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “In the months and years ahead, we will look to David to help us continue to attract top talent, develop additional oncology-focused partnerships, build success in the solid tumor market, and expand our pipeline.”
Dr. Parkinson joined Biogen Idec, from Amgen where he was Vice President, Oncology Development. Previously, he held several senior oncology positions at Novartis. During his tenure at both companies, Dr. Parkinson worked on a series of successful drug registrations and global filings for important cancer therapeutics.
Dr. Parkinson worked for the National Cancer Institute from 1990 to 1997, rising to Acting Associate Director for the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. He has also held senior positions at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and New England Medical Center.
He received his M.D. from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine in 1977. Currently, Dr. Parkinson serves on the National Cancer Policy Forum of the Institute of Medicine. He is a member of the Food and Drug Administration Science Board, and was recently elected to the Board for Directors of the American Association of Cancer Research.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology, neurology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogenidec.com .
For more information contact:
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Jose Juves
Director, Public Affairs
Biogen Idec
(617) 914-6524
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Senior Manager, Investor Relations
Biogen Idec
(617) 679-2812