Mallinckrodt Appoints Dr. Marek J. Honczarenko as New EVP and Chief Scientific Officer

Mallinckrodt Welcomes Dr. Marek J. Honczarenko

On September 22, 2025, Mallinckrodt plc made a significant announcement regarding its leadership in the field of pharmaceuticals. The company has appointed Dr. Marek J. Honczarenko as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, effective September 29, 2025. Dr. Honczarenko transitions from his previous role as Senior Vice President and Head of Development at Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, where he played a critical role in driving strategic initiatives for the company's innovative medicine pipeline across various therapeutic areas.

Dr. Honczarenko succeeds Dr. Peter Richardson, who will be departing from Mallinckrodt to pursue other endeavors. With a robust career spanning over 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Honczarenko brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in drug development and approval processes. While at Sun Pharma, he successfully oversaw the launch of several groundbreaking immunology medications, significantly enhancing patient treatment landscapes. His accomplishments include the development of notable products like AbbVie's Skyrizi and Rinvoq, GlaxoSmithKline's Benlysta and Nucala, and more recently, Sun Pharma's Leqselvi.

Siggi Olafsson, President and CEO of Mallinckrodt, expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Honczarenko's appointment. "We are excited to have Marek join Mallinckrodt at a time when we are poised to advance our own pipeline of specialty therapeutics. With the strategic changes following our merger with Endo in July and our plans to establish a branded business while spinning off our generics and sterile injectables segment, the timing could not be better for someone with Marek's level of talent and commitment. He possesses the expertise necessary to propel our research and development objectives forward effectively."

Dr. Honczarenko's expertise is well supported by his extensive background, which includes leadership roles in clinical development at some of the most prominent pharmaceutical companies in the world, such as GlaxoSmithKline and AbbVie. His past positions included directing global immunology development, overseeing clinical programs, and managing portfolios that have led to successful drugs reaching the market. Notably, he has served two terms as an Industry Representative for the FDA’s Arthritis Advisory Committee since October 2019, underscoring his deep engagement in addressing core industry challenges and contributing to regulatory discussions.

In his own words, Dr. Honczarenko expressed genuine excitement about joining Mallinckrodt: "Mallinckrodt is truly dedicated to addressing unmet therapeutic needs for our patients. I am excited to join this exceptional R&D team as we collectively build an outstanding development organization and a new pipeline of therapeutics for the ultimate benefit of the patients we serve."

His academic qualifications are equally impressive; he holds an MD and a Ph.D. summa cum laude from Pomeranian Medical University in Poland, complemented by post-grgraduate training at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Furthermore, he has been associated with Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School as a faculty member, adding to his esteemed credentials in medicine and research.

The Future of Mallinckrodt

Mallinckrodt is recognized for its commitment to enhancing patient lives through therapeutics that target unmet medical needs. The company's diverse portfolio is centered around fighting autoimmune disorders and managing rare diseases, ranging from endocrinology and gastroenterology to nephrology and beyond. Its focus on high-quality generics and active pharmaceutical ingredients reinforces its stature as a world-class manufacturer in the healthcare space.

Conclusion

As Dr. Honczarenko steps into his new role, the industry watches closely to see how his leadership will influence the strategic direction of Mallinckrodt and its R&D initiatives. With a focus on innovative medicines, the company stands ready to tackle pressing health challenges and improve outcomes for patients globally.