After ImCheck’s inception in 2015, Pierre took the helm through clinical development and guided the startup to a $1.2B buyout by Ipsen last year.

In a session at the Kadans Oncology Summit, he talks about how the exit materialised and about the oncology space, including highlights from ASCO 2026, ADCs, in vivo CAR-T and checkpoint inhibitors.

He also reveals some of the most shocking lessons he learned from his time at Imcheck.

---Learn more about Kadans’ Oncology Clusters, where oncology biotechs grow from start-up to global player: https://bit.ly/kadans-oncology---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERPierre has 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, including 9 years at ImCheck and more than 3 years as EVP, Chief Strategy Officer at Theravectys. Prior to this, he also spent 10 years in senior roles in Sanofi and Baxter Healthcare.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Kadans Oncology Summit — https://www.kadansoncologysummit.com/
• ImCheck Therapeutics — https://www.imchecktherapeutics.com/
• ImCheck ASCO data (2025) — https://www.imchecktherapeutics.com/all-press-release/news/imcheck-reports-high-remission-rates-in-aml-patients-with-ict01-combination-therapy-at-asco-2025/
• ImCheck acquisition by Ipsen (2025) — https://www.ipsen.com/press-release/ipsen-to-acquire-imcheck-therapeutics-expanding-its-leadership-in-oncology-strengthening-its-pipeline-3170788/
• Pancreatic cancer ASCO data (2026) — https://www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/multi-selective-ras-inhibitor-nearly-doubles-survival-pancreatic-cancer
• Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19 — https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/
• Ona Therapeutics raises $86.6M — https://ona-therapeutics.com/press-release/ona-therapeutics-raises-86m/
• Moderna five-year cancer-vaccine data (2026) — https://www.merck.com/news/moderna-merck-announce-5-year-data-for-intismeran-autogene-in-combination-with-keytruda-pembrolizumab-demonstrated-sustained-improvement-in-the-primary-endpoint-of-recurrence-free-survival-i/
• Sean Marett 🇩🇪 | BioNTech, Art of Dealmaking | E25 — https://flot.bio/episode/sean-marett-biontech-dealmaking/
• Laurent Levy, Nanobiotix 🇫🇷 | Nanoparticles, Radiotherapy | E45— https://flot.bio/episode/laurent-levy-nanobiotix-nanoparticles-radiotherapy/
• Marc de Garidel, Abivax 🇫🇷 | Ulcerative Colitis, Inflammation | E46 — https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-ulcerative-colitis-inflammation/
• Jeito Capital €1B fund — https://www.jeito.life/en/jeito-capital-record-eur-1-billion-fundraise-jeito-ii-fund-therapeutic-innovation/

📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/pierre-d-epenoux-imcheck-oncology/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEWDid you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:43] Highlights from ASCO 2026
• [00:07:48] ADCs and In Vivo CAR-T: the Next Wave
• [00:11:25] Pierre d’Epenoux Explains How to Stand Out in Oncology
• [00:15:45] Checkpoint Inhibitors and the Rise of Combination Therapies
• [00:21:23] ImCheck: from Inception to Ipsen Buyout
• [00:28:36] Pipeline Focus and French pharma: Why ImCheck Chose Ipsen
• [00:35:55] The Decision to Exit and Shocking Lessons
• [00:42:05] Why Checkpoint Inhibitors Disappointed Beyond PD-1
• [00:43:48] Quick-Fire Questions

Founded in 2010, the Institut Pasteur spinout PathoQuest sold to top CRO Charles River for $70M this year, a product of years of collaboration and stepwise investments.Jean‑François tells us how the exit unfolded, as well as the importance of biosafety and CMC as pharma and biotech outsource heavily and cell and gene therapies mature. We also cover how animal testing is disappearing from CMC and how France must nurture its biotech ecosystem.

---For transparency, this episode has been sponsored by PathoQuest.---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jean-François has more than 20 years of pharma leadership under his belt. Before his ten years at PathoQuest, he was a Senior Vice-President in charge of Ipsen’s GI-oncology and endocrinology franchise.He has an engineering degree and a master’s degree in Foreign Trade.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• CRL acquires PathoQuest (2026) — https://pathoquest.com/press-release-pathoquest-to-join-charles-river-laboratories-2/
• Werner Lanthaler 🇦🇹 | Biopharma AI, CDMO, Antibody Optimization | E48 — https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-biopharma-ai/
• Charles River Laboratories and PathoQuest Expand Strategic Biologics Partnership (2018) — https://ir.criver.com/news-releases/news-release-details/charles-river-laboratories-and-pathoquest-expand-strategic
• Charles River and PathoQuest validate viral safety assay (2023) — https://ir.criver.com/news-releases/news-release-details/charles-river-and-pathoquest-announce-publication-head-head
• Philipp Baaske, NanoTemper 🇩🇪 | Bootstrapping in Biotech | E29 — https://flot.bio/episode/philipp-baaske-nanotemper-boostrapping-biotech/
• Solexa acquisition by Illumina (2007) — https://investor.illumina.com/news/press-release-details/2006/Illumina-Signs-Definitive-Agreement-to-Acquire-Solexa/default.aspx
• PathoQuest US lab opens in Wayne, PA (2022) — https://pathoquest.com/pathoquest-announce-the-opening-of-its-new-u-s-facility/
• Thomas Ybert, DNA Script 🇫🇷 | DNA Printing & Synthesis | E27 — https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-ybert-dna-script-dna-printing/
• Pascal Touchon 🇫🇷 | Cell Therapy, Jeito, Kymriah | E49 — https://flot.bio/episode/pascal-touchon-jeito/
• First FDA-approved CAR-T — https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-receives-first-ever-fda-approval-car-t-cell-therapy-kymriahtm-ctl019-children-and-young-adults-b-cell-all-refractory-or-has-relapsed-least-twice
• Marc de Garidel, Abivax 🇫🇷 | Ulcerative Colitis, Inflammation | E46— https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-ulcerative-colitis-inflammation/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/jean-francois-brepson-pathoquest-cmc/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:06] Big Pharma Is Heavily Outsourcing
• [00:07:05] The $70M Charles River Acquisition
• [00:11:18] CROs, PE and WuXI
• [00:18:35] Biosafety with the "Intel Inside" Model 
• [00:23:50] Replacing CMC Animal Testing: How the FDA Is Boosting Business 
• [00:32:00] Lessons from US Expansion
• [00:38:02] Biologics, Cell Therapy, and $15B of In Vivo CAR-T Bets 
• [00:42:59] Jean-François Brepson: From Siberia to Startup CEO
• [00:56:14] Quick-Fire: Animal Testing, AI, China, Elon Musk

When Hervé joined Incyte in 2014, the launch of lead product Jakafi in the US was a little choppy. By the time he left in 2025, he had grown their revenue from $300 million to a whopping $5 billion. We also talk about the bureaucracy of Big Pharma, rare diseases, and why a biotech M&A supercycle isn’t as likely as you might think.

---Discover the best biotech companies in 🇪🇺 with the FlotBio Map. Use discount code FLOT20 before June 26 to get 20% off the pro version at https://bit.ly/4nXmKjN---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Prior to his time at Incyte, Hervé led the oncology business unit at Novartis and had leading roles at Aventis (now Sanofi). He is currently on the boards of companies including Incyte, Pierre Fabre, and Bicycle Therapeutics.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Pascal Touchon 🇫🇷 | Cell Therapy, Jeito, Kymriah | E49 —https://flot.bio/episode/pascal-touchon-jeito/
• Alessandro Riva, Transgene | Cancer Vaccines, Oncolytic Viruses | E50— https://flot.bio/personalized-cancer-vaccine-oncolytic-viruses/
• Penn and Novartis CAR-T alliance (2012) — https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/university-pennsylvania-and-novartis-form-alliance-expand-use-personalized-t-cell-therapy-cance
• Incyte and Novartis deal (2009) —https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-major-collaboration-and-license-agreement-two
• Hoppenot steps down as Incyte CEO (2025) — https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-change-its-board-directors
• argenx leadership transition (2026) —https://argenx.com/news/2026/press-release-3212418
• BioNTech co-founders leadership transition (2026) — https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/biontech-and-co-founders-announce-plan-pursue-next-generation
• Incyte tumbles after combo therapy with Merck fails study (2018) — https://www.reuters.com/article/incyte-study/update-2-incyte-tumbles-after-combo-therapy-with-merck-fails-study-idUSL4N1RJ2HW/
• Bristol-Myers Squibb receives accelerated approval of Opdivo (2014) — https://news.bms.com/news/details/2014/Bristol-Myers-Squibb-Receives-Accelerated-Approval-of-Opdivo-nivolumab-from-the-US-Food-and-Drug-Administration/default.aspx
• U.S. FDA approves Padcev (2025) https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/us-fda-approves-padcevr-plus-keytrudar-certain-patients
• Fabrice Chouraqui, Pharming 🇳🇱 | Transgenic Rabbits, Rare Diseases | E43 — https://flot.bio/episode/fabrice-chouraqui-pharming-transgenic-rabbit/
• Isomorphic Labs secures $2.1 billion funding (2026) — https://storage.googleapis.com/isomorphiclabs-website-public-artifacts/ISOMORPHIC_LABS_FUNDING_12-05-26.pdf

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/herve-hoppenot-incyte-jafaki/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIPReady to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:59] Hervé Hoppenot’s Incyte legacy
• [00:12:12] Leadership transitions in Incyte, argenx and BioNTech
• [00:13:43] The JAK inhibitor market
• [00:19:36] Why forecasting in pharma is so broken
• [00:29:17] Investor expectations and the Jakafi cliff 
• [00:36:51] Biotechs trading under cash
• [00:40:01] Hervé Hoppenot’s European roots
• [00:44:40] Big Pharma and bureaucracy
• [00:51:58] Quick-fire questions

We admire the mountains of Austria with the co-founder of Curie.Bio, a founder-friendly fund that now manages $1.25B and backs 38 portfolio companies.We discuss Curie.Bio’s track record, with its most advanced portfolio candidate Forward Therapeutics in Phase I.We also talk about major bottom-up successes including argenx, Ascendis and Genmab, and how life sciences investing differs from tech investing.Christoph also explains his ‘rebel’ mindset and why founders shouldn’t accept the status quo.

---This episode is brought to you by Avance, where European biotech turns for trusted financial advice. Learn more at https://bit.ly/flot-avance---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Christoph co-founded of Curie.Bio in 2022, after serving as Partner at Third Rock Ventures for 6 years. He also had leading roles at Blueprint Medicines for ten years, and at MOMA Therapeutics for one year.He has also been an Adjunct Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University for more than 20 years, with past roles at Celsius Therapeutics, Sanofi, and Novartis. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Curie.Bio — https://curie.bio/
• Christoph Lengauer — https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph-lengauer-75b7961b/
• Sanofi to acquire Blueprint Medicines — https://www.sanofi.com/en/media-room/press-releases/2025/2025-06-02-05-00-00-3091541
• Forward Therapeutics Announces $50 Million Series A Financing —https://forward-tx.com/press-release/forward-therapeutics-announces-50-million-series-a-financing/
• Gilead to Acquire Tubulis — https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2026/gilead-to-acquire-tubulis-adding-potentially-best-in-class-antibody-drug-conjugate-and-next-generation-platform-to-further-strengthen-oncology-pipeline
• Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19 — https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/
• Sander Slootweg, Forbion 🇳🇱 | European Biotech Investment, Venture Capital | E56 — https://flot.bio/episode/sander-slootweg-forbion-eu-biotech-investment/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/christoph-lengauer-curiebio-biotech-founders/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:03:05] Curie.Bio: 38 portfolio companies in just three years
• [00:09:29] The four buckets of biotech venture capital
• [00:15:42] Why life sciences investing is harder than tech investing
• [00:28:28] Searching for European biotech innovation
• [00:38:00] Founder-friendly equity shares
• [00:55:15] argenx, Genmab and Ascendis: Bottom-up biotech successes
• [01:03:37] Blueprint Medicines: From struggle to a $9B sale
• [01:09:03] Christoph Lengauer the disruptor
• [01:13:37] Quick-fire questions

Forbion celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, with a whopping €5 billion raised so far. Sander marks the occasion by discussing how Forbion plans to promote life sciences investments in Europe via the Life Sciences VC Coalition. We chat about building European biotech champions like Argenx, the thriving Chinese biotech space, and why life should be fun, not only dealflow.

---

This episode is brought to you by GeneNovate Investors Day, an invite-only event for scientists, startups, investors, and industry leaders working at the forefront of cell and gene therapies. Learn more: https://bit.ly/flot-genenovate or reach out to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Sander co-founded Forbion in 2006. Prior to co-founding Forbion, Sander co-founded ABN AMRO Capital/Life Sciences in 2000. Sander serves on the boards of NorthSea Therapeutics and Azafaros, with previous board roles at NewAmsterdam Pharma, Replimune and uniQure.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Forbion website — https://forbion.com/
• Forbion Joins Newly Launched European Life Sciences Coalition — https://forbion.com/news-insights/news/forbion-joins-newly-launched-european-life-sciences-coalition/
• Novartis acquires Gyroscope Therapeutics — https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-acquire-gyroscope-therapeutics-adding-one-time-gene-therapy-could-transform-care-geographic-atrophy-leading-cause-blindness
• GSK acquires Aiolos Bio — https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-enters-agreement-to-acquire-aiolos-bio/
• European Biotech Act — https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-establish-measures-strengthen-unions-biotechnology-and-biomanufacturing-sectors_en
• Capital markets union — https://finance.ec.europa.eu/financial-markets/financial-markets-policy/capital-markets-union_en
• Gimv discontinues activities for new Life Sciences investments — https://www.gimv.com/en/news/gimv-increases-focus-strategic-objectives-and-discontinues-activities-new-life-sciences
• Why the Strait of Hormuz matters so much in the Iran war — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78n6p09pzno
• Antoine Papiernik, Sofinnova | Billion Investing with Balance — https://flot.bio/episode/antoine-papiernik-sofinnova-ebillion-biotech-investing-with-balance/

• Christina Takke, V-Bio Ventures 🇧🇪 | Wonder VC Woman | E17 — https://flot.bio/episode/christina-takke-v-bio-ventures/

• Fabrice Chouraqui, Pharming 🇳🇱 | Transgenic Rabbits, Rare Diseases | E43 — https://flot.bio/episode/fabrice-chouraqui-pharming-transgenic-rabbit/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sander-slootweg-forbion-eu-biotech-investment/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:13] Uniting European biotech VCs
• [00:09:25] Why European pension funds overlook biotech VCs
• [00:17:36] Making European biotech an attractive market
• [00:30:24] Forbion’s “special sauce” and company culture
• [00:39:31] Sourcing China’s biotech assets from Europe
• [00:49:51] European biotech robustness in energy crises
• [00:52:19] Learning science as an investor
• [00:57:18] Sander Slootweg on skis
• [01:00:55] Quick-fire questions

Antibiotic-resistant superbugs could become a greater threat than cancer. Bruno and Pedro at the startup Immunethep explain how they’re tackling the crisis with vaccines.

We discuss how Immunethep could challenge Pfizer’s $7bn+ Prevnar, and how one pharma company got on board after a representative said he doesn’t believe in vaccines!

---

For transparency, this episode has been sponsored by Immunethep. Learn more at https://bit.ly/flot-immunethep

---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Bruno is Immunethep’s co-founder and CEO, and co-founder of the startup creator Venture Catalysts. He also co-founded the tech startup Abyssal, which was acquired by marine robotics company Ocean Infinity in 2021.

Co-founder and CSO Pedro is a biomedical scientist previously serving as an Assistant Researcher at i3S. He has a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Porto and boasts over 30 peer-reviewed publications.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Immunethep website — https://www.immunethep.com/
• When Cancer is no longer the biggest threat: AMR’s growing shadow over oncology — https://www.incate.net/when-cancer-is-no-longer-the-biggest-threat-amrs-growing-shadow-over-oncology/
• Antimicrobial resistance WHO page — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance
• Center for Global Development: The Economics of Antibiotic Resistance — https://www.cgdev.org/sites/default/files/economics-antibiotic-resistance.pdf
• GSK completes Affinivax acquisition — https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-completes-acquisition-of-affinivax-inc/
• António Portela, BIAL 🇵🇹 | Parkinson’s, Family-Owned Biotech | E54 —https://flot.bio/episode/antonio-portela-bial-parkinsons-biopharma/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/immunethep-antimicrobial-resistance/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:10] The overlooked antimicrobial resistance crisis
• [00:10:26] Immunethep: When Bruno Santos and Pedro Madureira teamed up
• [00:15:41] Taking down multiple superbugs with a single vaccine
• [00:27:30] Preparing to challenge Pfizer’s $7bn+ Prevnar
• [00:42:11] The Portuguese biotech ecosystem
• [00:46:10] Bruno Santos’ cross-disciplinary experience
• [00:48:09] Not taking ‘no’ for an answer from big pharma
• [00:51:44] Immunethep’s IP and tech transfer achievements
• [00:55:44] Quick-fire questions

We dive into Bial’s meteoric journey from a small pharmacy in Porto to Portugal’s biggest biopharma company, all while still being 100% family owned.

We cover Bial’s pipeline, including treatments for epilepsy and Parkinson’s, and why Bial’s multigenerational leadership story is nowhere as dramatic as HBO’s “Succession.”

---Avance is where European biotech turns for trusted financial advice. Learn more at https://bit.ly/flot-avance.---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Prior to leading Bial, António worked at Roche in the UK as a Medical Sales Representative and a Market Analyst. While he worked at Roche, he also launched a Hepatitis C drug.António holds a degree in Economics from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto and an Executive MBA from the Porto Business School.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Bial’s website — https://www.bial.com/en
• Bial 2024 financials — https://downloads.ctfassets.net/oyx9uzi3vj2y/XTmSUhXd7ggVEnpJLx0Ch/7a22a851246d910c517e064fca4b6968/Consolidated_Management_Report_BIAL_Holding_2024.pdf
• Bial launches KYNMOBI in Portugal and Spain — https://bial.com/en/media/news/bial-launches-kynmobi-in-portugal-and-spain
• Succession TV show — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660850/
• BIO-Europe Spring — https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/António-Portela-BIAL-parkinsons-biopharma/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:31] Bial’s humble beginnings
• [00:05:59] Behind the scenes of the Portela family
• [00:12:45] A CNS innovator pipeline
• [00:18:42] From small molecules to biologics
• [00:21:17] Sourcing Portuguese talent from overseas
• [00:24:14] Manufacturing critical for gene therapy
• [00:26:21] António Portela’s dynamic leadership
• [00:27:38] Quick-fire questions
  

Novonesis arose from a 2023 merger of Novozymes and Chr Hansen, and is a highly profitable powerhouse. CSO Claus talks about the applications of Novonesis’ technology, its low profile among consumers, and how hard it is for biosolutions startups to scale up.

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Claus first joined Novozymes in 1993 and led its R&D both in Denmark and the US, with six years as CSO. He has a Master’s degree in biochemistry and an MBA.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Novonesis’ website — https://www.novonesis.com/en
• Merger of Novozymes and Chr Hansen — https://www.novonesis.com/en/news/novozymes-and-chr-hansen-announce-name-future-combined-company-novonesis
• Novonesis’ nine-month results in 2025 — https://backend.novonesis.com/sites/default/files/document/2025-11/2025_46_9M_Interim_report.pdf
• Novonesis and Benchling partnership in 2024 — https://www.benchling.com/news/novonesis-and-benchling-long-term-partnership-to-power-rd
• EU biosolutions — https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/bioeconomy/bio-based-products-and-processes_en

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/claus-crone-fuglsang-novonesis-biosolutions/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:19] Novonesis: the Novozymes and Chr Hansen merger
• [00:09:51] Under the consumer radar
• [00:12:52] Business divisions and myriad applications
• [00:20:46] The scaling challenge in biosolutions
• [00:27:39] Novonesis’ profitability and growth
• [00:36:34] Genetic engineering and cool patents
• [00:47:57] Novonesis’ growing AI use
• [00:56:34] Claus Crone Fuglsang’s enthusiasm for his work
• [01:00:09] Industrial biotech globally
• [01:04:15] Quick-fire questions

At the beginning of 2025, Sten R. Sörensen announced Cereno Scientific’s positive Phase 2a results in PAH for lead asset CS1. He’s now moving forward with a global Phase 2b trial starting in Q2 2026. The company also progresses its second HDACi asset, CS014, toward Phase 2. Cereno's developing pioneering treatments with disease-modification potential for rare cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.---Learn more about Cereno: https://bit.ly/cereno-e52---

⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Sten joined Cereno as CEO in 2015, with decades of experience in pharma, ranging from Monsanto Pharma to AstraZeneca.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Cereno’s website - https://cerenoscientific.com/
• Cereno Scientific | BioStock Life Science Summit 2024 - [https://www.youtu.be/A5b3Ud_PSas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5b3Ud_PSas)

• Cereno Scientific announces positive topline results of Phase IIa trial with lead candidate CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension **-** https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=2D7F159764FDB891
• Cereno's HDAC inhibitor reduces risks from pulmonary arterial hypertension in phase 2 trial **-** https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/cerenos-hdac-inhibitor-reduces-risks-pulmonary-arterial-hypertension-phase-2-trial
• Cereno Scientific Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Global Phase IIb Trial of CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) - https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=008944355F62DA91
• Competing drug Winrevair / sotatercept by US Merck - https://www.drugs.com/winrevair.html

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sten-sorensen-cereno-drug-repurposing/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:04] Cereno's Phase2A results
• [00:21:59] Phase2B
• [00:32:41] Cereno's pipeline
• [00:40:56] The finances of running a Phase2B
• [00:45:07] Investor base of Cereno
• [00:50:42] A strong team is crucial for Cereno
• [00:55:41] The Swedish biotech ecosystem
• [01:02:54] Sten Sörensen's background
• [01:10:39] Success in drug repurposing
• [01:16:03] Quickfire

Founded in 1991, Camurus has grown into a $4B biotech with two products in the market, a rich pipeline, and 290 employees.Fredrik explains how Camurus’ long-acting injections — part of its FluidCrystal technology — breathe new life into generic drugs, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment regimen. This has applications in many diseases, including hormonal disorders and obesity, with new formulations of GLP-1 agonists.He also discusses how long-acting versions of buprenorphine can help patients to overcome opioid addiction and tackle the global opioid crisis.

---

Learn how YSDS helps move your most sensitive life sciences shipments worldwide, safely, on time, with full visibility at https://bit.ly/ysds-flotbio.

---

Fredrik joined Camurus in 2002 as a member of the board and CEO in 2003. Before this, he was CEO of Heptahelix AB and a leading academic at Lund University and the University of Oxford.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

• Camurus’ website - https://www.camurus.com/
• Oczyesa’s approval - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-oczyesa-receives-marketing-authorization-for-treatment-of-acromegaly-in-the-eu/
• Brixadi’s approval - https://braeburnrx.com/media/press-releases/braeburns-brixadi-buprenorphine-extended-release-subcutaneous-injection-ciii-receives-fda-approval-for-moderate-to-severe-opioid-use-disorder
• Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty - https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pain-History-Sackler-Dynasty/dp/0385545681
• Camurus regains worldwide development and commercialization rights to CAM2029 from Novartis - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2018/camurus-regains-worldwide-development-and-commercialization-rights-to-cam2029-and-related-product-candidates/
• Camurus and Lilly enter collaboration and license agreement - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-and-lilly-enter-collaboration-and-license-agreement-for-long-acting-fluidcrystal-incretins/
• Nitazenes: Super-strength opioids spreading across Europe and North America - UN - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgge1ez0r2o

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/fredrik-tiberg-camurus-opioid-crisis/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

• Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

• [00:00:00] Intro
• [00:02:47] Camurus: the $4-billion powerhouse
• [00:08:25] The FluidCrystal technology
• [00:15:24] Buvidal tackles opioid addiction
• [00:26:05] Oczyesa’s commercial challenges
• [00:31:03] Metabolic programmes in progress
• [00:34:45] 4 years of profits
• [00:37:00] Solving the opioid crisis
• [00:46:44] Europe’s long-acting drugs scene
• [00:51:05] Fredrik Tiberg’s background
• [00:55:15] Quick-fire questions