AstraZeneca Appoints Hematology Leader Anas Younes as Chief Medical Officer
Key Insights
AstraZeneca has appointed Dr. Anas Younes as Chief Medical Officer while maintaining his role as Global Head of Hematology R&D and Chairman of Acerta's Board.
Dr. Younes brings over 25 years of lymphoma research experience and previously led clinical trials that resulted in FDA approval of the first targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor for lymphoma.
The appointment positions Dr. Younes to oversee AstraZeneca's entire medical strategy beyond hematology, extending his influence to the company's broader oncology and rare disease programs.
AstraZeneca has announced the appointment of Dr. Anas Younes as Chief Medical Officer, expanding his influence beyond hematology to oversee the company's entire medical strategy. Dr. Younes will continue serving as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hematology R&D and Chairman of the Board of Acerta while taking on this broader leadership role.
"I'm honored to be appointed Chief Medical Officer at AstraZeneca," Dr. Younes shared on LinkedIn. "This role deepens the patient focus that has anchored my career as a clinician-scientist – from caring for patients with lymphoma and leading clinical trials in academia, to advancing the next wave of potential new blood cancer medicines."
Distinguished Career in Hematologic Oncology
Dr. Younes brings over 25 years of experience in lymphoma care and research to his expanded role. He previously served as Chief of the Lymphoma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where he spearheaded early-phase clinical trials that directly contributed to the approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor and the first targeted therapy in lymphoma.
Before his tenure at MSKCC, Dr. Younes spent two decades at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, directing clinical and translational research in lymphoma and myeloma. There, he led National Cancer Institute Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) initiatives and CAR T-cell therapy programs funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Dr. Younes has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals with over 300 publications and has served as principal investigator for numerous national and international clinical trials. He earned his medical degree from Damascus University School of Medicine and completed fellowships at MSKCC.
Transforming AstraZeneca's Hematology Portfolio
Since joining AstraZeneca in 2018, Dr. Younes has overseen significant expansion of the company's hematology portfolio. He has transformed Acerta Pharma into a global leader in BTK (search) inhibition, with acalabrutinib (Calquence®) serving as a cornerstone of the company's growth in hematology.
Under his leadership, AstraZeneca has made substantial investments in next-generation platforms, including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and T-cell engagers, positioning the company at the forefront of therapeutic innovation in blood cancers.
Expanded Leadership Role
As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Younes will now oversee AstraZeneca's medical strategy across all therapeutic areas while continuing to drive innovation in the company's hematology pipeline from early discovery to regulatory approvals. His appointment signals AstraZeneca's commitment to scientific excellence as the company pursues its ambition to transform cancer into a manageable disease.
"As CMO, and Global Head of Haematology R&D, I'm committed to working with purpose and urgency to bring our medicines to patients around the world with the aim to improve health outcomes and equity," Dr. Younes stated.
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment as AstraZeneca continues to expand its oncology and rare disease strategies, with Dr. Younes' proven track record in translating scientific discoveries into approved therapies positioning him to lead the company's broader medical initiatives.