Immunologist Yong-Jun Liu named head of research at MedImmune

US-based MedImmune, the global biologics research and development arm of Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN), has named Yong-Jun Liu as the company’s new head of research, effective January 6, 2014. Dr Liu currently serves as vice president and chief scientific officer at the Baylor Research Institute and director of the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research.

Dr Liu will be responsible for driving pre-clinical research in multiple therapeutic areas to help advance drug candidates from discovery to development. Previously he was the head of cancer immunology research at the MD Anderson Cancer Center where he built the nation’s leading immunology department as judged by top publications and grants.

Bahija Jallal, executive vice president of MedImmune, said:  “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Liu to MedImmune as our new head of research. Scientific leadership is our top priority.  We are committed to hiring established leaders who will drive our research engine and progress our efforts to deliver valuable medicines to patients.”