08/29/2025 – 05:47 PM
– Dr. Aftab has served for over 25 years at Exelixis and has been instrumental in driving the company’s scientific innovation and development activities –
ALAMEDA, Calif. – Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXEL) announced today the appointment of Dana T. Aftab, Ph.D., to Executive Vice President, Research and Development. Aftab, a 25-year company veteran, will now spearhead the company’s drug discovery engine, pushing forward translational research, product development, and medical affairs.
“Dana’s deep-rooted expertise across the drug development lifecycle makes her the ideal candidate to lead Exelixis’ R&D efforts,” stated Michael M. Morrissey, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Exelixis. “She has been a pivotal force behind our success, particularly in the evolution of cabozantinib. From its beginnings targeting a single orphan drug indication, she and the team have transformed it into a global oncology powerhouse. Now, she will lead Exelixis as we aim to maximize our portfolio’s potential, including zanzalintinib, our third-generation oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor currently undergoing multiple pivotal trials, and our early-stage pipeline of promising treatments.”
Aftab’s journey with Exelixis began in 1998. She played a key role in the discovery and development of CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib), a leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor for advanced renal cell carcinoma and advanced neuroendocrine tumors in the U.S. Most recently, as Executive Vice President, Discovery and Translational Research and Chief Scientific Officer (since December 2022), she oversaw the development of the company’s early pipeline and supported teams across discovery research and product development. Aftab holds a Ph.D. in pharmacology from Yale University and completed postdoctoral work at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in oncogene signaling.
In a related move, Amy Peterson, M.D., who previously served as Executive Vice President, Product Development & Medical Affairs, and Chief Medical Officer, has left Exelixis.
About Exelixis
Exelixis is an oncology company dedicated to creating next-generation medicines and regimens for cancer care. The company is focused on small molecules and biotherapeutics, expanding its product portfolio to target a diverse range of tumor types and indications. CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) is Exelixis’ flagship commercial product. Exelixis is committed to delivering treatments that offer hope to patients with cancer.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release features forward-looking statements regarding Exelixis’ senior officer transitions. These statements are predictions about future events based on the company’s current plans and expectations and involve risks. Real outcomes may significantly differ from these projections. Key risk factors that could cause these deviations are detailed in Exelixis’ Annual Report on Form 10-K (filed with the SEC on February 11, 2025) and other filings with the SEC. Exelixis is under no obligation to update these forward-looking statements unless legally required.
Exelixis, the Exelixis logo and CABOMETYX are registered U.S. trademarks.
Source: Exelixis, Inc.
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