WASHINGTON — The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America has named Joaquin Duato, worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals as Johnson & Johnson, as chairman of the PhRMA board of directors.

Joaquin Duato

Duato previously was chairman-elect on the PhRMA board and succeeds George Scangos, who has stepped down as chief executive officer of Biogen.

“In the words of Dr. Paul Janssen, ‘The patients are waiting,’ ” Duato said in a statement. “Medicines are the best — and only — hope for treating and curing the most devastating diseases. At a time of extraordinary advances in medical discovery, I look forward to leading PhRMA and ensuring patients have access to the treatments of today and the cures of tomorrow.”

Duato has served as worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals as Johnson & Johnson since January 2011. During his 28-year career at J&J, he has worked across the company’s pharmaceuticals and medical device business segments, including being named as company group chairman of the Americas in 2009 and leading local market businesses in a variety of countries and regions.

PhRMA noted that Duato, as a dual citizen of Spain and the United States, brings a unique international perspective to his work.

“I am pleased to welcome Joaquin Duato as PhRMA board chairman and thank George Scangos for his leadership,” stated PhRMA president and chief executive officer Stephen Ubl. “Through sustained investment in research and development, biopharmaceutical researchers and scientists have gained a better understanding of diseases and a greater ability to harness new scientific advances. Joaquin’s focus on our industry’s role in transforming lives will be crucial as we work with all stakeholders to make the health care system better and more responsive to the needs of patients.”