Syndax Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SNDX) announced today the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Botwood as Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Botwood, who previously served as Head of Worldwide Medical Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), brings over 25 years of industry experience to the commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company.
In his previous role at BMS, Dr. Botwood oversaw all medical activities across the company's oncology portfolio, including new asset launches, data generation, medical education, and commercial strategy. At Syndax, he will drive R&D strategy and development, succeeding Dr. Neil Gallagher, who is departing to pursue other opportunities.
"Nick is a prominent leader and R&D visionary who brings deep strategic and operational experience, and a proven track record of developing novel medicines into industry-leading franchises," said Michael A. Metzger, Chief Executive Officer of Syndax. "Nick's unique mix of commercial, medical and clinical oncology development experience will enable us to accelerate the expansion of our two best-in-class franchises and fully unlock their multi-billion potential."
Extensive Industry Experience
Dr. Botwood's career spans multiple leadership roles in pharmaceutical development. At Bristol Myers Squibb, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Worldwide Medical Oncology since 2022. From 2020 to 2022, he was Senior Vice President and Head of U.S. Medical, where he was responsible for medical strategy across commercial and development activities, including hematology and oncology.
His tenure at BMS also included serving as Head of Oncology Clinical Development and Development Team Lead between 2015 and 2020. Prior to joining BMS, Dr. Botwood spent twelve years at AstraZeneca (2003-2015), where he ultimately became Vice President, Head of Oncology Clinical and Head of Global Clinical Operations.
Dr. Botwood holds impressive academic credentials, including a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from University College London. He is a member of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine and an elected Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians UK.
Strategic Importance for Syndax's Oncology Portfolio
Syndax Pharmaceuticals has positioned itself as an innovator in oncology therapeutics, with two FDA-approved products in its portfolio: Revuforj® (revumenib), a menin inhibitor, and Niktimvo™ (axatilimab-csfr), a monoclonal antibody that blocks the colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor.
The company recently submitted a supplemental New Drug Application for Revuforj for the treatment of relapsed or refractory mNPM1 acute myeloid leukemia, highlighting its ongoing efforts to expand its therapeutic reach.
"Syndax is a proven innovator at the forefront of oncology with medicines that address some of the toughest challenges in treating cancer," said Dr. Botwood. "The Company has an impressive track record of developing and commercializing first- and best-in-class medicines and driving execution across its portfolio, with a robust development strategy underway for expansion and to further differentiate its drugs."
Building on a Strong Foundation
In acknowledging Dr. Gallagher's contributions, CEO Metzger noted, "We thank Neil for his exceptional contributions during his time at Syndax, which include multiple positive data readouts and two product approvals, along with the recent submission of the Revuforj supplemental New Drug Application for relapsed or refractory mNPM1 acute myeloid leukemia."
Metzger emphasized that Dr. Gallagher built a strong R&D organization that positions the company well for this leadership transition, adding that Dr. Botwood will "spearhead this next chapter of growth for Syndax."
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Syndax as it works to expand its oncology portfolio and strengthen its position in the competitive cancer therapeutics market. The company continues to conduct several clinical trials across the treatment continuum, aiming to unlock the full potential of its pipeline.
Syndax Pharmaceuticals is headquartered in New York and trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol SNDX.
