WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Synageva BioPharma announced today the appointment of Sanj K. Patel as President and Chief Executive Officer. Sanj joins Synageva from Genzyme Therapeutics and brings experience from one of the industry’s leading biopharmaceutical producers and an extensive background in directing successful clinical development and marketing programs as well as overseeing commercial operations.
In conjunction with Sanj Patel’s appointment, Synageva has opened new corporate headquarters outside of Boston in Waltham, Massachusetts. The company maintains research and production operations in the greater Atlanta area where the company was originally founded under the name of Avigenics.
“Sanj’s industry experience, particularly in managing the clinical development and commercialization of key biopharmaceutical products for Genzyme, makes him an excellent fit to lead Synageva,” said Felix J. Baker, Ph.D., Chairman of the Synageva Board and Managing Partner at Baker Brothers Investments.
“Synageva represents a very exciting opportunity in the rapidly expanding market for biopharmaceutical products,” said Sanj Patel. “I was attracted to Synageva by the company’s innovative approach to safe and highly cost effective biopharmaceutical production with their proprietary Protein Expression System. The foundation of Synageva is built upon strong core values, including dedication to patients, integrity, collaboration, a commitment to excellence, and entrepreneurial passion. I look forward to working with the Synageva team to build a sustainable biopharmaceutical company that will make a truly positive impact on patients’ lives.”
Sanj K. Patel joins Synageva BioPharma from Genzyme Corporation (1999 to 2008). Most recently, he was Head of US Sales, Marketing and Commercial Operations for Genzyme Therapeutics and led the commercial US launch for Myozyme®. Previously, Sanj held several cross-functional senior leadership roles at Genzyme including Vice-President, Clinical Research and Head of the Global Clinical Research Operations Council. He was responsible for clinical operations development for all cross-business Genzyme Products. Sanj also led the Fabrazyme® clinical operations team and development program to FDA approval in April 2003.
Sanj Patel also held clinical research and commercial development roles over the last 18 years with increasing levels of responsibility with Burroughs Wellcome, Hoescht Marion Roussell and Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals. He obtained his B.Sc. with Honors in Pure and Applied Biotechnology from South Bank University, London; successfully completed his Doctorate program in Clinical Pharmacology from King’s College and The Wellcome Foundation. He attained his post-graduate management and business degree and training from Ealing College, London.
About Synageva BioPharma
Synageva BioPharma is focused on the development of biopharmaceuticals that address the needs of a global patient population in multiple areas, including oncology, autoimmune diseases and genetic diseases.
Synageva™ has created sustainable value through its robust and cost-effective protein expression technology, AES™. We have generated a diverse pipeline of follow-on products as well as next-generation products that may exhibit superior efficacy and safety profiles. www.synageva.com
Contacts
Synageva BioPharma James E. Early, 781-890-1111 SVP, Finance and Administration or Media: MacDougall Biomedical Communications Kari Watson, 781-235-3060 kwatson@macbiocom.com
