Genentech has implemented changes to its research and early development group that include the departure of a high-profile executive who had been with the company since 1997, according to a June 11 statement. The South San Francisco–based biotechnology company confirmed what it described as “targeted adjustments” and the exit of Vishva Dixit, who most recently served as vice president and senior fellow in physiological chemistry and research biology.
The restructuring aims to ensure that Genentech’s capabilities and investments align with its core therapeutic areas, advance its portfolio, and deliver transformative medicines more quickly. The company said in a statement, “To stay ahead in a fast-moving industry and continue to deliver world-class science and medicines, we must continually evolve how we work. This requires making difficult decisions to focus our resources on the work that creates the highest impact for patients.”
A Genentech spokesperson declined to provide details about how many employees were affected by the layoffs. According to information obtained by Endpoints News from a company email, Genentech is closing its infectious disease and physiological chemistry units while reducing staff in other teams such as early clinical development, development sciences, and translational medicine.
In addition to Dixit’s departure, other key executives leaving include Todd McDevitt, vice president and head of cell therapy, and Man-Wah Tan, vice president and senior fellow of infectious diseases.
In a statement provided to BioSpace regarding Dixit’s tenure at Genentech, the company said, “His pioneering discoveries in the fundamental mechanisms of cell death, apoptosis, innate immunity and inflammatory signaling transformed our understanding of how cells respond to stress, infection and injury, laying foundations that continue to influence research and drug discovery across many fields. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and the impact of his work.”
Genentech also noted that it continues hiring within its U.S.-based research group.
