Top J&J exec moves to Moderna - Drug Discovery and Development

Moderna (NSDQ:MRNA) announced today that former Johnson & Johnson executive Dr. Paul Burton will join as chief medical officer.

Cambridge, Mass.-based Moderna said in a news release that Burton assumes the role of CMO effective July 6, 2021, and he will serve on the company’s executive committee and report to CEO Stéphane Bancel.

“Paul’s extensive medical experience in the global pharmaceutical and biotech industry will be important to Moderna as we expand internationally and continue our journey as a commercial company,” Bancel said in the release. “As we work to deliver on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients, Paul’s expertise across multiple therapeutic areas and his proven track record leveraging data science and digital technologies to reimagine medical engagement will be invaluable. I look forward to working with Paul and re-inventing how medical affairs should be built and run in a digital world.”

Burton will take the role from Dr. Tal Zaks, whose departure from Moderna was announced earlier this year.

“As Paul prepares to join us, I would like to thank Tal once again for his impact over the last six years,” Bancel said. “Tal’s guidance and contributions were important in helping Moderna move from a preclinical company to where we are today. Through his leadership in Moderna’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tal’s contribution extends beyond Moderna to all of society. I have enjoyed having him as my partner and wish him all the best.”

Burton spent 16 years with Johnson & Johnson, most recently serving as chief global medical affairs officer of its Janssen Pharmaceuticals business, a role he took on in March 2020. He also served as Janssen’s VP and head of cardiovascular and metabolic medical affairs and led J&J’s collaboration with Apple for the digital Heartline study.

“Moderna’s transformative platform has the potential to improve the lives of so many people around the world,” Burton said. “I am honored to take on the role of chief medical officer at Moderna.”