Takeda R&D Chief Andy Plump to Retire in June 2027

Plump will continue to lead the R&D department until a successor is announced, working closely with the new leader to ensure a transition of responsibilities. During his tenure, Plump guided the company's research pipeline from more than 10 modalities to four: small molecules, biologics, antibody-drug conjugates, and allogeneic cell therapies. However, the company recently removed cell therapy from that list. Under his leadership, the pipeline was rebuilt with a focus on late-stage work and the integration of artificial intelligence into research workflows. Before joining Takeda, Plump held senior roles at major pharmaceutical companies Sanofi and Merck. He stated that leading Takeda R&D has been one of the greatest privileges of his career and expressed gratitude for the company's people and the strength of its science.