Syndax Pharmaceuticals Appoints Dr. Nicholas Botwood As Head Of R&D And Chief Medical Officer

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, a commercial-stage biopharma firm developing novel cancer treatments, has appointed Dr. Nicholas Botwood as Head of Research and Development (R&D) and Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Botwood brings over 25 years of industry experience, most recently serving as Head of Worldwide Medical Oncology at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), where he led global oncology strategy, data generation, and asset launches. He succeeds Dr. Neil Gallagher, who is stepping down to pursue other opportunities.

“Nick is a prominent leader and R&D visionary who brings deep strategic and operational experience, and a proven track record of developing novel medicines into industry-leading franchises. Nick’s unique mix of commercial, medical and clinical oncology development experience will enable us to accelerate the expansion of our two best-in-class franchises and fully unlock their multi-billion potential. We look forward to his many contributions,” said Michael A. Metzger, Chief Executive Officer. 

At BMS, Dr. Botwood held several high-level leadership positions, including SVP of Worldwide Medical Oncology (2022–2024) and SVP, Head of U.S. Medical (2020–2022), where he oversaw medical strategy across the haematology and oncology franchises. He also previously led oncology clinical development at BMS from 2015 to 2020. Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade at AstraZeneca, where he served as VP and Head of Oncology Clinical Development and Global Clinical Operations.

Dr. Botwood commented, “Syndax is a proven innovator at the forefront of oncology with medicines that address some of the toughest challenges in treating cancer. The Company has an impressive track record of developing and commercialising first- and best-in-class medicines and driving execution across its portfolio, with a robust development strategy underway for expansion and to further differentiate its drugs. I look forward to working alongside the talented team at Syndax to support its commitment to innovation and shape the future of cancer treatment.”

Dr. Botwood earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science from University College London. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) and a member of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine. At Syndax, he will lead the company’s R&D and clinical strategy as it continues to advance its oncology pipeline.

Mr. Metzger stated, “We thank Neil for his exceptional contributions during his time at Syndax, which include multiple positive data readouts and two product approvals, along with the recent submission of the Revuforj supplemental New Drug Application for relapsed or refractory mNPM1 acute myeloid leukaemia. Neil built a strong R&D organisation that will continue to deliver on our ambitious plans for the future, and accordingly, we are in an excellent position to transition R&D leadership to Nick, who will spearhead this next chapter of growth for Syndax.”