BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN) has announced key leadership changes in its research and development and business development teams. Effective September 30, Greg Friberg, M.D., will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Research & Development Officer, succeeding Hank Fuchs, M.D. Additionally, James Sabry, M.D., Ph.D., will take on the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer starting October 7.
Dr. Friberg brings nearly 20 years of experience to BioMarin, having most recently served as Vice President of Global Medical Affairs, Rare Disease at Amgen, Inc. His extensive background includes advancing multiple medicines through late-stage development and leading Global Development for hematology/oncology and bone portfolios. At BioMarin, Dr. Friberg will oversee R&D operations, including discovery research, preclinical, translational and clinical programs, as well as global regulatory and medical affairs. He earned his M.D. from New York Medical College, completed his internal medicine residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and his fellowship in hematology and oncology at The University of Chicago Medical Center. Prior to joining Amgen, he was on the faculty at the University of Chicago.
Dr. Sabry, a distinguished business development executive, joins BioMarin from Roche and Genentech, where he led Roche Partnering as Executive Vice President and Global Head. With a career encompassing over 1,200 transactions, he brings substantial expertise in identifying and managing innovation across various development stages. Dr. Sabry has previously served as President and CEO of Arete Therapeutics and CEO of Cytokinetics, a company he co-founded. He holds an M.D. from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UCSF, with prior faculty roles at UCSF and Harvard Medical School.
Alexander Hardy, President and CEO of BioMarin, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, noting Dr. Friberg’s deep experience in drug development and Dr. Sabry’s exceptional track record in dealmaking. Hardy also acknowledged the significant contributions of Dr. Fuchs, who is retiring after 15 years with the company. Dr. Fuchs played a pivotal role in developing new medicines for various conditions and will stay on in an advisory role until March 3, 2025.
Additionally, BioMarin announced that Brinda Balakrishnan, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Corporate Strategy and Business Development Officer, will be leaving the company on October 1. During her tenure, Dr. Balakrishnan led deals that expanded the company’s portfolio and managed pipeline program divestitures.
Mr. Hardy thanked Dr. Balakrishnan for her strategic contributions and commitment to advancing BioMarin’s mission.
