Merck appoints Laszlo Radvanyi as head of global immuno-oncology research

German pharma company Merck (MRK: DE) has appointed Laszlo Radvanyi as head of global immuno-oncology research.

He will focus on leading the discovery of oncology therapies that leverage the body’s immune system to fight cancer, as well as identifying biomarkers to deliver personalized treatments. Dr Radvanyi joins from Lion Biotechnologies, based in Tampa, Florida. He was responsible for developing novel technologies to produce next-generation tumor-infiltrating lyphocytes for tumor indications including lung, cervical and breast cancer.

Luciano Rossetti, head of global R&D, said: “We are honored to have Laszlo join Merck. His vast experience across the field of immuno-oncology research is very impressive. His expertise and fresh perspective will add significant value to our early-stage immuno-oncology portfolio including combination and biomarker strategies for avelumab and other clinical candidates, as we endeavor to bring new therapeutic options to patients living with cancer.”