Merck Replaces R&D Head

Roger M. Perlmutter, M.D., Ph.D., has been named executive vice president and president of Merck Research Laboratories (MRL), effective April 15. Dr. Perlmutter will succeed Peter S. Kim, Ph.D., who will remain with the company as an advisor until his retirement in August.
 
Previously, Dr. Perlmutter was executive vice president and head of R&D at Amgen from January 2001 to February 2012. During his tenure, Dr. Perlmutter oversaw the development and subsequent approval of a number of novel biologic and small molecule medicines in the areas of cancer, endocrinology, hematology, inflammation and osteoporosis. Prior to joining Amgen, he was executive vice president of worldwide basic research and preclinical development at Merck.
 
“Roger is a world-class physician-scientist with a proven track record of leading large research organizations and delivering a broad and diverse pipeline of medicines,” said Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck. “With his deep knowledge of the ongoing changes in the industry’s external environment and their implications for how we use R&D resources, Roger is ideally suited to lead Merck’s global research and development. I am confident that under Roger’s leadership, Merck will continue to build upon our legacy of translating cutting edge science into medically important products that make a difference for patients.”
 
“Peter has helped sustain Merck’s commitment to outstanding science and innovation during a period of enormous change for our company and our industry,” said Mr. Frazier. “His contributions have positioned us well for future success. Over the past decade, Peter led MRL through an immense transition in pharmaceutical research and development, oversaw important advances in our use of new technologies, began leveraging external innovation and led the creation of an integrated, industry-leading pipeline following our merger with Schering-Plough.”