Overview

• Lilly confirmed Marks as senior vice president of molecule discovery and head of infectious disease work, with his appointment effective this month and specific duties not yet detailed.
• Marks led the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research for nearly a decade, overseeing vaccines, blood products, and some gene and cell therapies, and helped shape the Operation Warp Speed concept.
• He resigned in March after a public clash with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing the secretary of seeking validation of misinformation in his resignation letter.
• Critics framed the hire as an example of the regulator‑to‑industry revolving door, including public condemnation from MAHA-aligned figures and references to research documenting such career moves.
• Leerink Partners’ David Risinger said Lilly gains significant expertise yet faces potential political and reputational risk given current pressures on drug manufacturing and pricing.