Immunovaccine has named John J. Trizzino chief executive officer, effective October 1, 2011. Trizzino will also be appointed to the company's board of directors.

Trizzino most recently served at Novavax as senior vice president. He previously held senior executive positions at MedImmune, acquired by AstraZeneca, and ID BioMedical, now part of GlaxoSmithKline.

"As our development program accelerates with a second cancer vaccine in the clinic, we are pleased to be joined by someone with John's experience in partnering, licensing and distribution," said Albert Scardino, chairman of Immunovaccine.