The commercial imperative

Some companies don't realize they need a CEO with commercial experience until after they get their first molecule to market. But with more than 50 partnerships in place and its lead antibody heading for a BLA submission in about a year, Abgenix Inc. is making the transition from a business development-oriented CEO to marketing-oriented leadership ahead of time.

At the end of August, President and CEO Ray Withy will step down to pursue earlier-stage opportunities, and InterMune Inc. Chairman William Ringo will step in to complete the company's transformation into a commercial organization...