Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  announced that the Lexicon Board of Directors has appointed Mike Exton, Ph.D. as chief executive officer of Lexicon. Dr. Exton succeeds Lonnel Coats who, as previously announced, retired effective July 7, 2024. Dr. Exton most recently served as the global cardiometabolic therapeutic head at Novartis.

Dr. Exton?s broad experience includes fourteen years with Novartis, most recently leading the global cross functional commercial therapeutic areas of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, with key responsibilities in discovery, development, commercial launch preparation, business development, investor relations and media engagement. Dr. Exton?s previous positions with Novartis included vice president and global head, cardiovascular renal and metabolism franchise and vice president and head, cardiovascular renal and metabolism franchise of Novartis USA. Prior to joining Novartis, he was director of business development with Invida Pty Ltd. and spent nine years with Eli Lilly Australia, where he held a variety of research, business development and commercial positions.

Dr. Exton holds a B.Sc. and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Newcastle and a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Essen, Germany. Concurrent with Dr. Exton?s appointment as chief executive officer, Jeff Wade has been named president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Wade has served as Lexicon?s president and chief financial officer since October 2021, having previously served in a series of finance, corporate development, administrative and legal leadership positions since joining the company.