Merck, which recently replaced its head of research and development after experiencing setbacks in drug development, has been only a bit player in oncology drugs.
The company refused to comment on reports that three senior executives Heinz-Jakob Neusserer, head of brand development at VW, Ulrich Hackenberg, head of research and development at Audi, and Wolfgang Hatz, R&D chief at Porsche – had been suspended.
Dr. Perlmutter was Amgen's head of research and development from 2001 until 2012, overseeing the development of several successful drugs, including the drug Prolia, to treat osteoporosis, and Xgeva, which prevents problems caused by the spread of cancer to bones.
Bran Ferren, head of research and development, and Danny Hillis, vice president for research and development, are starting a company called Applied Minds that will develop technology and consult for others.
Mr. Kim, who took over as head of research and development in 2003, is credited with overseeing the development of some of Merck's biggest products, including the diabetes drugs Januvia and Janumet, which together brought in sales of more than $5.7 billion in 2012.
How much influence drug marketers have on research and development varies by company, said Dr. Nelson Levy, a former head of research and development at Abbott Laboratories.
"This is really the first new analgesic in two decades," said Lars Ekman, head of research and development at Elan, the Irish company that developed the drug.
The expert, Dr. Nelson Levy, a former head of research and development at Abbott Laboratories, who now works as a consultant for industry and the federal government on drug development, bluntly challenged the industry's oft-repeated cost of developing a drug.
Next Wave spoke to head of research and development Dr. Jochen Knolle (pictured above) about career prospects in the company's two major areas, preclinical and clinical development.
Marielle Langerak is head of research and development at Philips.
"Playmobil could easily do Harry Potter but licences are expensive," says Bernhard Hane, head of research and development.
