Dendreon’s board of directors has elected John H. Johnson president and CEO, succeeding Mitchell H. Gold, M.D., who has served as both for nearly a decade.

Johnson has been a member of Dendreon's board of directors since August 2011 and brings nearly 30 years of experience in the life sciences industry, including as president, CEO and director at Savient Pharmaceuticals, president of Eli Lilly's oncology business unit, CEO of ImClone System and company group chairman of Johnson & Johnson's worldwide biopharmaceuticals.

"As Dendreon continues its evolution into a global oncology company, I am pleased to hand over the reins to John, whose drive and significant global oncology expertise will advance our continued growth as a leading biotechnology company, benefiting our customers, our employees, our shareholders and, most importantly, patients with advanced prostate cancer," said Gold.