Legend Biotech appoints former Novartis executive as CEO while Vera pursues full approval for kidney drug

Legend Biotech announced that Ingrid Zhang, a former Novartis executive, will take over as chief executive officer, replacing Ying Huang who stepped down in July.

Vera reported that its recently launched kidney drug stabilized kidney function and lowered the risk of kidney‑related death in a two‑year trial involving patients with a chronic autoimmune kidney disease. The company said it will seek full regulatory approval based on these results.

The article also notes that several obesity drugmakers are beginning clinical testing in children as young as six, reflecting a broader trend toward earlier intervention in metabolic disease.