Vertex, E. Morrey Atkinson
Vertex appointed cell and gene therapy specialist E. Morrey Atkinson to the role of SVP, head of commercial manufacturing and supply chain.
Atkinson joins Vertex from Bristol Myers Squibb, where he worked for eight years and reached the position of SVP of global manufacturing operations.
During his time at BMS, he was responsible for the manufacture of its key product, Opdivo (nivolumab), and was tasked with integrating Celgene’s manufacturing network.
The appointment of Atkinson appears to be a strategic move to acquire greater experience in the cell and gene therapy space, with Vertex carrying out several steps to bolsters its presence in the area.
Last year, the company moved to invest more into its internal gene therapy manufacturing capabilities and sealed several deals to bring gene therapies into its pipeline.
Prior to his time at BMS, Atkinson worked as VP of development for seven years at Targeted Genetics, now known as AmpliPhi Biosciences.