Exelixis names Dana Aftab as executive vice president of R&D

Exelixis Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) appointed Dana T. Aftab as executive vice president of research and development, the company announced. Aftab will oversee drug discovery, translational research, product development and medical affairs activities.

Aftab joined Exelixis in 1998 and has worked at the company for more than 25 years. He played a role in the discovery and development of CABOMETYX (cabozantinib), which the company describes as the leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor in the U.S. for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma and advanced neuroendocrine tumors.

Most recently, Aftab served as executive vice president of discovery and translational research and chief scientific officer since December 2022. In that position, he oversaw development of the company's early pipeline and translational medicine teams. Aftab holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Yale University and conducted postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley.

"Dana has been an integral part of the Exelixis team for more than 25 years, with deep expertise that spans the drug discovery and development continuum," said Michael M. Morrissey, president and chief executive officer of Exelixis.

The company also announced that Amy Peterson, who served as executive vice president of product development and medical affairs and chief medical officer since August 2023, has departed Exelixis.

Exelixis' portfolio includes cabozantinib and zanzalintinib, described as a third-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is the subject of multiple pivotal trials, according to the company statement.

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