Genentech's Bittenbender named board chair at BIO
As the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) annual conference got underway in Boston, the trade body announced a change in senior leadership with Genentech's Fritz Bittenbender elected board chair.
Bittenbender, who serves as head of public affairs and access at Genentech, is taking over at the end of the two-year tenure of Ted Love, former president and chief executive of Global Blood Therapeutics (GBT), which was acquired by Pfizer in 2022 for $5.4 billion.
It's a return to the top team at BIO for Bittenbender, who headed up the public affairs unit at the organisation between 2012 and 2015 before leaving to join the Roche biotech unit, although, he is a longstanding member of BIO's executive committee and most recently served as vice-chair.
He is taking on the role of chair as the US biopharma industry faces one of the most challenging times in its history, with a lot of nervousness over the Trump administration's gutting of agencies that are tasked with funding, conducting, and regulating biomedical research, as well as uncertainty on the future direction of drug pricing legislation.
That has also been reflected in a sharp dip in biotech private financing in the last few months versus the same period of 2024, according to GlobalData.
"I am honoured to assume the role of chair during such a critical time for the biotech industry, and to continue BIO's track record of advocacy on the role biotech plays in improving the health of patients and our communities, strengthening our economy, and protecting our national security," said Bittenbender.
John Crowley, BIO president and CEO, thanked Love for his leadership over the last couple of years, noting that he had guided the organisation "through a time of meaningful transition and great progress for science, medicine, and patients," adding that, "his leadership was instrumental in shaping our vision for the future."
He also welcomed Bittenbender to the role, pointing to his "decades of experience in healthcare policy and market access."
The new chair's "vision and leadership at this pivotal moment for the industry will help ensure BIO continues to strengthen and advance the biotechnology sector and that the industry's breakthrough science reaches those who need it most," said Crowley.
Other appointments to BIO's board for the 2025 through 2026 term include: Arcutis Bio's Frank Watanabe, named vice-chair; Bristol Myers Squibb's Cari Gallman, who becomes associate vice chair and secretary; and Tom Mathers of Aser Therapeutics, who will serve as treasurer.
