Novartis' New Oncology CEO Schaffert Has A Potential Blockbuster Launch On Her Hands

Novartis AG Oncology CEO Susanne Schaffert stepped into the leadership role unexpectedly Jan. 1 after an abrupt leadership change. Now, she is preparing to launch a new potential blockbuster drug in breast cancer, integrating the acquisition of Endocyte Inc. and building out a growth strategy for marketed brands.

It has been a demanding 18 months for Schaffert, who was appointed to lead a new radiopharmaceuticals unit within Novartis oncology, Advanced Accelerator Applications SA, in January 2018, but was then tapped less than a year later to lead Novartis' entire oncology business. (Also see "AAA Ramps Up Lutathera Launch And Plans Expansion Under Novartis Ownership " - Scrip, 5 July, 2018.) She was promoted after the sudden departure of Liz Barrett, who had been recruited from Pfizer but left after less than a year on the job