TB Alliance, a not-for-profit organization with the mission of developing better, faster-acting, and affordable TB treatments, announces the election to its Board of Directors of David Norton, former Company Group Chairman of Global Pharmaceuticals for Johnson & Johnson (J&J). Mr. Norton brings to TB Alliance nearly 40 years of experience within the pharmaceutical sector, and is noted for his strategy in charting the growth of J&J’s pharmaceuticals group.
“Tuberculosis research is on the verge of delivering incredible breakthroughs,” said Mr. Norton. “I am committed to leveraging my experience in global product development and commercialization to enhance the impact of such crucial efforts and help stop the TB pandemic.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Norton has helped lead J&J’s efforts around research and development, commercial operations, licensing, and acquisitions. Now retired, he serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Savient and recently served as interim CEO. Previously, Mr. Norton served on the Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Alliance for Aging Research.
Dr. Carlos Morel, Chairman of the Board for TB Alliance and Director of the Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS) of FIOCRUZ, remarked, “Mr. Norton’s appointment to the TB Alliance’s Board of Directors will expand the organization’s knowledge — from developing new TB drug regimens to now ensuring widespread access to them. Mr. Norton’s deep experience in shepherding new treatments to global markets will help the TB Alliance achieve its mission.”
Tuberculosis (TB) is a global pandemic, killing someone approximately every 25 seconds — nearly 1.4 million in 2011 alone. The WHO estimates that two billion people — one third of the world's population — are infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), the bacillus that causes the disease. Today's TB drug regimens take too long to cure, are complicated to administer, and can be toxic. New drug regimens are critical to drastically reduce the global TB burden and to stop the growth and spread of drug-resistant forms of the disease.
About TB Alliance:
The Global Alliance for TB Drug Development (TB Alliance) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding faster-acting and affordable drug regimens to fight tuberculosis. Through innovative science and with partners around the globe, we aim to ensure equitable access to faster, better TB cures that will advance global health and prosperity. The TB Alliance operates with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Irish Aid, UK aid, UNITAID, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the United States Agency for International Development, and the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the United States AIDS Clinical Trials Group. For more information, please visit tballiance.org.
Contact:
Joanna Breitstein
TB Alliance
(m) 646.616.8613