Baxter’s BioScience Division Gets New Head of R&D

Baxter International Inc. has named John Orloff, M.D., as vice president and global head of research and development (R&D) for Baxter BioScience, effective immediately.

Orloff joins Deerfielf, Ill.-based Baxter from Merck Serono Pharmaceuticals, where he served as global head of clinical development. He will be responsible for advancing the company’s late-stage product pipeline, enhancing the current R&D operating model and pursuing additional innovative opportunities for the business.

“As we work toward becoming an independent global biopharmaceutical company, our priorities are to drive innovation by advancing our rich, late-stage development pipeline, expanding our expertise in immunology,  hematology, and other core technologies and optimizing our R&D productivity,” said Ludwig Hantson, Ph.D., president of Baxter BioScience. “John brings significant scientific and leadership expertise, including preclinical research, clinical development, and medical and regulatory affairs. He will be a valuable member of our executive leadership team and a guiding force for effectively executing the development strategy for our organization.”

Prior to his tenure at Merck Serono, Orloff spent approximately 10 years at Novartis, where he served in roles of increasing responsibility including chief medical officer for global development. Earlier in his career, he supported clinical development at Merck Research Labs and was previously a faculty member at the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Orloff’s expertise in bone biology contributed to marketing approvals for treatments for a range of bone disorders, and he has led programs across a diverse range of therapeutic areas, including immunology, neurology and oncology.

Orloff received an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Dartmouth College and earned his medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and completed a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at Yale University School of Medicine.

Baxter’s product include a combination of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.