Altimmune Announces CEO Transition: A New Chapter for the Maryland Biotech

Gaithersburg, Md. – Maryland’s thriving life sciences sector witnesses another key leadership change as Altimmune announces a planned CEO transition, effective January 1, 2026. After seven years steering the company’s evolution into a nimble, late-stage clinical biopharmaceutical organization, Vipin Garg, Ph.D., will step down as President and CEO. He will remain with the company in an advisory capacity thru June 30, 2026.

A Legacy of Change Under Dr. Garg

Dr. Garg’s tenure has been marked by notable progress in Altimmune’s pipeline and overall strategic direction. he successfully guided the company through critical clinical trials and positioned it for potential commercialization of its key assets. His leadership has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for future growth.

Jerry Durso Appointed as New CEO

Altimmune’s current Board Chair, Jerry Durso, will assume the CEO role. Durso brings over 30 years of extensive leadership experience in the life sciences industry, with a proven track record in commercial strategy, rare disease development, and global pharmaceutical operations.

Durso’s Extensive Background

Prior to joining Altimmune, Durso served as the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Intercept Pharmaceuticals, a company specializing in liver diseases. During his time at Intercept, he successfully built a thriving rare disease franchise, revamped the corporate strategy, and ultimately oversaw the company’s acquisition by Alfasigma. Before Intercept, Durso dedicated over two decades to Sanofi, where he managed multiple blockbuster franchises in various senior leadership positions.

What This Means for Altimmune

This transition is viewed as a strategic move to capitalize on Altimmune’s momentum and accelerate its growth trajectory. Durso’s experience in successfully navigating complex pharmaceutical landscapes and driving commercial success is expected to be invaluable as Altimmune advances its pipeline towards potential market approval.

“Jerry is a seasoned leader with a remarkable track record of success in the biopharmaceutical industry,” said a representative from Altimmune. “We are confident that his expertise and vision will guide Altimmune through its next phase of growth and value creation.”

Key Takeaways

• Vipin Garg, Ph.D., will step down as President and CEO of Altimmune on January 1, 2026, after seven years of service.
• Jerry Durso, current Board Chair, will assume the role of CEO, bringing over 30 years of industry experience.
• Durso previously led Intercept Pharmaceuticals through a accomplished acquisition and held senior leadership positions at Sanofi.
• The transition is expected to accelerate Altimmune’s growth and drive commercial success.

Publication Date: 2025/12/02 08:05:11