Deciphera Readies For Next Steps; Brings Third Compound Into Phase I

The newly relocated biotech is shifting its focus from science to business development as it moves its third compound into the clinic and begins looking for partners for its other programs.

Deciphera Pharmaceuticals LLC has reached the point in a biotech’s lifecycle when it transitions from scientific leadership to business leadership: on April 7, it moved its founding CEO over to the role of chief scientific officer while hiring for the top slot somebody it believes will be able to guide business development efforts on the eve of entering the clinic with its third drug candidate.

The Lawrence, Kan.-based biotech reported that Mike Taylor has taken over as president and CEO from founder Dan Flynn, who now will serve as chief scientific officer. The company also...

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