China-based biotech Everest Medicines (HKG: 1952) announced the resignation of CEO Dr. Kerry Blanchard, effective immediately. Blanchard will remain as an advisor for six months, while the company stated a replacement has been selected and will be named within the next month.
Leadership Transition
The company did not specify a reason for Blanchard’s departure but highlighted its commitment to advancing its pipeline in renal diseases, immunology, and infectious diseases. Everest recently sold Asian rights to Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) to Gilead Sciences/Immunomedics, allowing it to focus on late-stage candidates nearing NDA submissions.
Blanchard’s Background
Blanchard joined Everest in February 2020 after leading Eli Lilly’s China drug development for eight years. He previously supported Innovent Biologics’ PD-1 drug sintilimab and helped establish Everest in 2017 via CBC Group (formerly C-Bridge Capital).-Fineline Info & Tech
