BioMarin Appoints Timothy P. Walbert to Board of Directors: Expertise and Leadership Expected to Drive Growth

BioMarin Strengthens Board with Appointment of Timothy P. Walbert

San Rafael, Calif. – Feb.24, 2025 – biomarin Pharmaceutical Inc. announced the appointment of Timothy P. Walbert, former chairman, president, and CEO of Horizon Therapeutics, to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. This strategic move aims to bolster BioMarin’s leadership as it focuses on innovation and growth within the biotechnology sector.

Walbert’s extensive Experience

Walbert brings over 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience to BioMarin. His leadership at Horizon Therapeutics, from its inception in 2008 until its acquisition by Amgen in 2023, is especially noteworthy. During his tenure, Horizon focused on developing medicines for rare diseases, a field in which BioMarin also has a significant presence.

Prior to Horizon,Walbert served as president and CEO of IDM Pharma,later acquired by Takeda in 2009. He also held leadership positions at NeoPharm Inc. and Abbott (now AbbVie), and gained experience at Pharmacia, Merck, Pfizer, and Wyeth Ayerst. His current board memberships include Sagimet Biosciences, Mirum Pharmaceuticals, and Century Therapeutics.

Leadership Perspectives

Alexander Hardy, president and CEO of BioMarin, expressed enthusiasm about Walbert’s appointment, stating, “We are very pleased to welcome Tim to our Board of Directors. Tim is a deeply talented and well-respected leader with significant operational expertise, who brings a wealth of insight in commercializing medicines. Over the course of his career in the biopharmaceutical industry, he is someone who has been known for always putting patients first. The combination of his buisness acumen and patient-centered approach make him an ideal addition to our Board.”

Walbert himself conveyed his eagerness to contribute to BioMarin’s strategic objectives: “I am pleased to join BioMarin’s Board as the company works to deliver on the new strategy laid out last year focused on innovation, growth and value creation. Throughout my time in the industry, I have focused on prioritizing the needs of patients and I look forward to working with BioMarin as the team advances new medicines for people with genetically defined conditions.”

BioMarin’s Commitment to Genetic Innovation

Founded in 1997 and based in San Rafael, California, BioMarin has established itself as a global biotechnology leader dedicated to translating genetic discovery into impactful medicines. With eight commercial therapies and a robust clinical and preclinical pipeline, BioMarin focuses on treatments for rare and difficult-to-treat genetic conditions. BioMarin’s distinctive approach underscores its commitment to improving the lives of patients and families worldwide.

Strategic Implications and Forward-Looking Statements

The addition of Walbert to BioMarin’s Board of Directors signals a strategic emphasis on commercialization expertise and patient-centered innovation. BioMarin’s forward-looking statements reflect expectations regarding Walbert’s contributions and the company’s continued advancement of new medicines. Investors are advised to consider potential risks and uncertainties, as detailed in BioMarin’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024.

This appointment underscores BioMarin’s commitment to innovation and strategic growth in the biotechnology space. As the company continues to advance new medicines for genetically defined conditions, Walbert’s experience and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role.

Explore biomarin’s innovative work and discover more about their commitment to patients by visiting their website.

What specific qualities or experiences from your tenure at Horizon Therapeutics do you believe will be notably valuable in your role on BioMarin’s Board of Directors?

An Interview with Timothy P. Walbert: BioMarin’s New Board Member and Industry Veteran

Q: Welcome, mr. Walbert. You’ve had an illustrious career in the biopharmaceutical industry, with over three decades of experience. What drives your passion for this sector?

Timothy P. Walbert (TPW): Thank you for having me. What truly drives me is the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. The biopharmaceutical industry offers unique opportunities to develop innovative therapies that can transform the lives of patients, especially those with rare or difficult-to-treat conditions. this passion has been the guiding light throughout my career.

Q: Speaking of which, you’ve just joined BioMarin Pharmaceutical’s Board of Directors. What excites you about this new role?

TPW: I’m thrilled to join BioMarin’s Board. The company’s commitment to translating genetic discoveries into impactful medicines resonates deeply with me.BioMarin’s portfolio and pipeline are extraordinary,and I believe my experience in commercializing medicines and prioritizing patient needs can contribute to their strategic objectives.

Q: You’ve led several companies in the past, including Horizon Therapeutics. How do you think your leadership skills will benefit BioMarin?

TPW: Leading organizations like Horizon has equipped me with a diverse skill set, including operational expertise, strategic planning, and team leadership. I’m excited to leverage these skills to support BioMarin’s Board and management team as they work to deliver on their innovation and growth goals. I’m also looking forward to collaborating with Alexander Hardy and the entire BioMarin team.

Q: The global biotechnology landscape is evolving rapidly. What trends do you see emerging, and how can companies like BioMarin stay ahead of the curve?

TPW: We’re seeing a growing emphasis on precision medicine, data-driven decision-making, and patient-centricity. Companies that can effectively leverage these trends, like BioMarin is doing, will thrive. Moreover, collaborations and partnerships across industry sectors and academia will be crucial for driving innovation. I believe BioMarin’s approach to partnerships, such as the recent deals with Lobelo and CSL Behring, sets it up well for success in this regard.

Q: In your opinion, what role should the private sector play in addressing rare diseases?

TPW: The private sector plays a critical role in driving innovation and investment in rare disease therapies. However, collaboration with public entities, academic institutions, and patient advocacy groups is equally important. Initiatives like the 21st Century Cures Act and the Rare Disease Cures Accelerator pilot program demonstrate how public-private partnerships can advance rare disease research and treatment more effectively.

Final Thoughts

TPW: I am grateful for the chance to serve on BioMarin’s Board and look forward to contributing to the company’s mission of improving the lives of patients and families worldwide. I believe that, together, we can advance innovative therapies for genetically defined conditions and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.