Andrew Witty, the former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline who maintains strong ties to the Triangle, is taking on a new position in the U.K.Meanwhile, GSK reportedly is losing its head of R&D.
The U.K. government on Friday named Witty to lead its “Accelerated Access Pathway” program, which is intended to accelerate drug development.
“The new Accelerated Access Pathway should make some drugs available up to four years faster than at present by reducing the time taken to negotiate financial approvals needed before they can be used by the state-run National Health Service (NHS),” according to The New York Times.
“Witty will lead the group responsible for deciding which products should be granted breakthrough status, drawing on advice from patients, clinicians and industry.”
Witty recently was named a partner at Hatteras Ventures in Durham. He also is a member of the board at Triangle-based G1 Therapeutics.
In other news, GSK’s Patrick Vallance is reportedly leaving the company. He has been head of research and development.
The Financial Times in London said Vallance will be taking a “top science advisory post” with the U.K. government. The paper cited unnamed sources “briefed on the situation.”
