Novartis Kymriah exec to lead Atara

Atara Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: ATRA), a US biotech specializing in T-cell immunotherapies for cancer, has named Pascal Touchon its new president, chief executive.

Dr Touchan will replace Isaac Ciechanover, who stepped down from the top job, and will bring to the role more than 30 years of experience in leadership in biopharma.

Most recently serving at Novartis Oncology as global head, Cell and Gene, and member of the Oncology Executive Committee, he was involved in the global launch of Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), the first CAR-T therapy to gain approval in the USA.