Global pharma giant Moderna is reshaping its operating model as it positions itself for a major expansion beyond vaccines into a multi-franchise biotechnology company.
The company said it is preparing to run three commercial franchises while accelerating a broad mRNA pipeline and increasing investment in research and early development.
Moderna highlighted continued strength in its infectious disease business, which already includes four approved products, and said it is targeting up to three new product launches in 2027 and 2028, including combination flu-plus-COVID, seasonal flu, and norovirus vaccines.
At the same time, the company is eyeing key clinical readouts this year, including late-stage data for its individualized cancer therapy Intismeran autogene and a rare disease program for propionic acidemia. If successful, these could pave the way for Moderna’s first oncology and rare disease commercial launches.
To manage the next phase of growth, Moderna is elevating leadership responsibilities across its top ranks.
Stephen Hoge, President of Moderna, will expand his remit to oversee operational and cross-functional leadership spanning Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Commercial across the company’s three franchises. The move is aimed at tightening execution and aligning strategy across functions as the company prepares for multiple product launches.
Moderna has also named Ester Banque as Chief Commercial Officer, effective June 15, 2026. She will join the Executive Committee and report to CEO Stéphane Bancel, focusing on global commercialization, launch execution, and expansion into new markets.
CEO Stéphane Bancel framed the changes as essential to scaling the business.
"As we execute on our strategic plan and prepare to manage three commercial franchises spanning infectious diseases, intismeran and rare diseases, it is critical that we continue to strengthen our operating model," said Bancel.
"As President, Stephen has played a central role in shaping Moderna's strategy and advancing our pipeline, and his expanded responsibilities will help ensure strong operational execution as we prepare for multiple potential product launches and important late-stage clinical milestones.
"To support this next phase of growth, we are excited to welcome Ester to Moderna as Chief Commercial Officer. Her deep global commercial experience will be essential as we continue to build our commercial capabilities, launch new products and expand into new markets."
Banque brings extensive commercial leadership experience, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and President, U.S. Operations at Zoetis, where she led the company’s largest market.
Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb and spent 25 years at Novartis, where she led major global and U.S. launches and held senior general management roles across oncology and international markets.
"I am proud to join Moderna at such an exciting time in the company's journey," said Banque. "Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for helping bring innovative medicines to patients, and I have long admired what Moderna has accomplished in advancing a new class of medicines through its mRNA platform.
"I believe deeply in the potential of the company's science and innovation, and I have been equally impressed by the talent, passion and commitment of its people. I look forward to partnering with teams across Moderna to help deliver on the promise of mRNA medicines for patients everywhere."
President Stephen Hoge also emphasized the strategic importance of the transition.
"I am thrilled to take on this expanded role while partnering with Ester, the rest of the Executive Committee, and our talented team as we prepare to manage three commercial franchises.
"Our commercial team has built a solid foundation and demonstrated strong execution as we have expanded our portfolio globally. As our intismeran and rare disease franchises advance toward commercialization, Ester's experience leading launches and scaling organizations will help us build on that momentum."
The company added that it will continue investing in mRED, its internal innovation engine focused on advancing new modalities through early clinical proof-of-concept work, aiming to fuel the next wave of growth beyond its current portfolio.
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