Desmond-Hellmann to become chancellor at UCSF

Soon after Roche completed its takeover of Genentech, it was apparent that Susan Desmond-Hellmann (photo) would be stepping aside from her starring role as head of product development. It turns out that biotech's loss will be academia's gain. Desmond-Hellmann, who reaped a rich reward from the Roche deal, is to become chancellor of UC San Francisco.

Desmond-Hellmann blazed an impressive trail at Genentech, presiding over the development of mega-blockbusters like Herceptin, Rituxan and Avastin. An oncologist by training, Desmond-Hellmann told reporters that she was frustrated early in her career by the lack of treatments available for cancer patients. Working in drug development gave her the opportunity of making a big difference.

Desmond-Hellmann was also one of the most prominent women--if not the most prominent--working in biotechnology. Her role at Genentech now is limited to an advisory position.

- read the report from the Wall Street Journal

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