PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — Harmony Biosciences Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: HRMY) has named Chief Operating Officer Peter Anastasiou its next chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2027, as the drugmaker prepares for a leadership transition while maintaining its $1 billion to $1.04 billion annual revenue forecast for its narcolepsy treatment WAKIX.
Anastasiou will succeed Jeffrey M. Dayno, M.D., who will retire as president and CEO on December 31 after nine years with the company, including service as chief medical officer. Dayno will also leave Harmony’s board but remain a nonexecutive adviser throughout 2027.
The appointment places Anastasiou in charge as Harmony seeks to expand its central nervous system drug portfolio, advance clinical development programs and protect the commercial position of WAKIX, its principal marketed product.
Harmony reaffirmed its full-year 2026 WAKIX net revenue guidance of $1 billion to $1.04 billion. The company also expects to report results from the multiple ascending dose study of BP-205, an investigational orexin agonist, during the fourth quarter.
The company indicated that the leadership change is not expected to alter the timing of previously communicated commercial or clinical development milestones.
Anastasiou, currently Harmony’s senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, previously served three years on its board of directors. His appointment follows a succession process overseen by the board.
His responsibilities will include expanding the pitolisant franchise, advancing Harmony’s central nervous system pipeline and evaluating acquisitions or other investments intended to support future growth.
“Harmony is unique, having strong commercial capabilities, a diverse CNS pipeline with multiple potential value-creating catalysts, and a strong balance sheet that allows us to be self-funded and to invest thoughtfully in additional opportunities,” Anastasiou stated.
Before joining Harmony’s executive leadership, Anastasiou served nearly four years as chief executive officer of Capsida Biotherapeutics, where he oversaw more than $165 million in capital raising and partnerships with AbbVie and Eli Lilly.
He previously held senior leadership positions at Lundbeck, including president of North America and membership on its global executive committee.
At Lundbeck, Anastasiou managed an organization of approximately 1,200 employees that generated more than $1.5 billion in annual net revenue, according to Harmony. The business reported profit margins exceeding 60% during his tenure.
His earlier career included management positions at Neuronetics, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Lilly.
Jeffrey S. Aronin, Harmony’s founder and board chairman, credited Dayno with expanding WAKIX’s commercial position and diversifying the company’s development pipeline.
Dayno’s continued advisory role is intended to support the transition while Anastasiou assumes responsibility for the company’s commercial operations, clinical development strategy and capital allocation.
The succession comes ahead of several potential milestones for Harmony, including BP-205 clinical data and continued efforts to extend the commercial value of its pitolisant portfolio.
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