BRIEF—Novartis' Oncology head to retire

Swiss pharma giant Novartis announced today that Bruno Strigini, chief executive of Novartis Oncology has decided to retire from Novartis and the industry for personal reasons.

Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis group, said: "I'd like to thank Bruno Strigini for his contributions and achievements. He has navigated the business unit through the Gleevec [imatinib] patent expiration and has led the successful integration of the GSK Oncology Product Portfolio acquired in 2015. I wish him the best for his future."

Dr Strigini, who joined the Swiss firm in June 2014 having left Merck & Co, will step back from the executive committee of Novartis by December 31, 2017 and will fully handover in early 2018. Novartis will announce his successor in due time.