A Dose of Reality with Charles Spence

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Tobias Kampfenkel, Vice President of Early Clinical Development and Translational Research at Miltenyi Biomedicine. Tobias spent nearly a decade at Janssen building the daratumumab story from the German launch and HTA negotiations through global pivotal trials and regulatory submissions — and then did it again with two bispecific antibodies in multiple myeloma. In early 2025, he made a deliberate move to Miltenyi Biomedicine, stepping into an executive committee role to lead a CAR-T program now being tested in autoimmune diseases — one of the most fascinating and fast-moving intersections in drug development right now.We go deep on what it actually feels like when a late-stage program doesn't land, how to hold a team together after a major setback, and the real tension between hiring for hard skills versus hiring for cultural fit. We also explore what the CAR-T revolution in autoimmune disease could mean for patients who have been on lifelong immunosuppression — and why some people are beginning, very carefully, to use the word "cure." Outside the office, Tobias is a racket sports enthusiast, a recreational runner, an avid reader, and an occasional piano player — and someone who will happily trade a busy schedule for a quiet weekend on a small Dutch island with no traffic and nothing to do.Here's What You're In ForWhy leadership during failure is about being active, not assuming everyone is okayWhy some hard skills in drug development can only be built through repetition, not readingWhat it's like to move intentionally from Big Pharma to a smaller, more entrepreneurial companyTimestamps03:39 – Whether his MHBA at Erlangen-Nürnberg was coincidence or connected to the CASEL trial04:54 – A decade with daratumumab and what deep team ownership really feels like07:13 – When a major readout doesn't land and what that does to a team12:49 – Miltenyi's core strengths in CAR-T manufacturing and the blind spots of a multi-business organization15:55 – Bridging oncology and autoimmunity across zamtocell and zorpocell19:59 – Balancing modality expertise, disease experience, seniority, and culture when building a team23:44 – What moving deliberately from J&J to a smaller company actually teaches you27:32 – Tobias's first time in autoimmune drug development and the learning curve that came with it29:39 – The first ever CAR-T treatment in a patient with systemic lupus in 202132:52 – What early safety data from CAR-T in autoimmune patients is starting to show34:13 – In vivo CAR-T, solid tumors, and where cell and gene therapy is heading in the next 10 years38:19 – Why this is one of the most exciting times to be working in this spaceAbout TobiasTobias Kampfenkel, MD, MHBA, is the Vice President of Early Clinical Development and Translational Research at Miltenyi Biomedicine, and a member of the company's executive committee. A board-certified internist and hematologist/oncologist, Tobias spent nearly a decade at Johnson & Johnson (Janssen), where he led clinical development across multiple myeloma programs including daratumumab (Darzalex) and bispecific antibodies teclistamab and talquetamab — spanning the German launch and HTA negotiations through to global pivotal trials and regulatory submissions. In early 2025, he joined Miltenyi Biomedicine to lead their CAR-T programs in autoimmune diseases, including studies in systemic lupus and systemic sclerosis. He also holds a Master's in Health Business Administration from the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg.Outside the office, Tobias is a racket sports enthusiast — tennis and badminton both — a recreational runner, an avid reader, and an occasional piano player. Above all, he values time with family and friends, which keeps him grounded amid a demanding professional life. Welcome, Tobias.Connect with TobiasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-kampfenkel-m-d-mhba-026b54b9/ Miltenyi Biomedicine: https://www.miltenyi-biomedicine.com/About CharlesMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/Website: https://www.discera-search.com/Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Aleksandra Filipovic, CMO at Gallop Oncology, a biotech developing first-in-class galectin-9 antibodies for solid tumors and blood cancers. We talked about how perfectionism shaped her early leadership, and what it took to undo it. She shared her take on hiring by “gut feel,” why that can quietly reinforce bias, and what she looks for instead.Aleksandra also opened up about her childhood—growing up with two cancer-researcher parents, skipping school to attend medical conferences—and how that path eventually led her to leave Serbia with a six-month visa and no real plan. That risk turned into a 20-year career in the UK, and a leadership journey she never could have mapped out.She once brought a pipette to school for show and tell. These days, she reads nervous systems before resumes, believes leadership is about repair—not perfection—and says her job is to “love a drug into existence.”Later this year, Aleksandra will be leading a workshop at the Society of Integrative Oncology Annual Meeting in Boston on October 27, 2025, alongside her colleagues Dr. Anna Yusim and Dr. Steve Bierman. The session, “Creating a New Kind of Intelligence in Oncology Practice” will explore neuro-somatic intelligence, noetic medicine, and mental health in oncology and biotech. CME credits and a full training curriculum will be provided. More information below.Here’s what you’re in for:Why she’s grateful her career didn’t go according to planWhy hiring based on “gut feeling” can lead to prejudice if you’re not carefulHow perfectionism quietly seeps into leadershipTimestamps:02:00 Childhood in a Cancer-Obsessed Family06:30 Why She Left Serbia With No Job and No Plan09:00 When Your Career Goes “Wrong”, and It’s the Best Thing That Happens16:45 Interview Advice: “Don’t Perform—Be Honest”21:30 What Falls Apart When Hiring Goes Wrong23:30 The Danger of “Gut Feel” in Leadership Hiring33:00 What It Feels Like When Your Childhood Perfectionism Takes Over at Work36:00 How She Regulates Herself as a Leader—and Teaches Her Team To Do the Same39:00 The Workshop: Neurosomatic Tools for Oncology ProfessionalsAbout Aleksandra:Dr. Aleksandra Filipovic is the Chief Medical Officer at Gallop Oncology, where she leads oncology asset sourcing and preclinical to clinical development strategy. With a background as a clinical oncologist and a PhD in Cancer cell biology its safe to say she knows a lot about this area.  Prior to joining Gallop, Aleks still acts as the head of oncology for PureTech health and prior to this she was with BMS and also consulted for Astrazeneca. She is a practicing clinician from Imperial College London, sits on the board of a global oncology educational platform sharing progress in cancer care and hosts a podcast “Into the Body” with Dr. Alex for OncoDaily. She practices applied neuro-somatic-intelligence with cancer patients and applies these same principles in biotech leadership. Connect with Aleksandra:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-filipovic-md-ph-d-0b63441b/ From Our Guest — Upcoming Workshop for Oncology ProfessionalsAre you in the oncology field, feeling the weight of burnout and seeking ways to enhance your patient care within the limited time you have in clinic? Reconnect to the core of your work with our upcoming workshop.Join Dr. Anna Yusim, @SteveBierman from Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, and myself for an impactful session in Boston on October 27th from 8-9:45AM. This workshop is a part of the Society for Integrative Oncology Annual Meeting.With only 2 weeks remaining to secure your spot, don't miss this chance to elevate your Oncology Intelligence. Register now using the provided link or QR code: https://lnkd.in/gGupDMa9Looking forward to your participation!About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this episode, I talked with Dr. András Strassz, Chief Medical Officer at Heidelberg Pharma, to hear about his two decades of leadership in oncology drug development—and the often-overlooked realities behind building teams, designing clinical trials, and making biotech work.András opens up about key moments in his career, including the personal crisis that almost forced him to leave the industry, the turning point when he stepped into his CMO role, and what it really takes to develop first-in-class ADCs with novel payloads.We also dive deep into industry-wide mistakes—why promising clinical programs still fail because of poor design, how pressure and under-resourcing distort decision-making, and why senior leadership continues to overlook culture fit when hiring.András also shares behind-the-scenes insights into Heidelberg’s development of amanitin-based ADCs, what makes their team culture unique, and why “good enough” just isn’t good enough when you’re trying to build something from scratch.(Find out more in the episode.)Here’s What You’re In ForWhy culture alignment should outweigh credentials when building teamsHow to spot red flags in hiring—even before the offer stageWhat good leadership looks like in biotech—and what it never forgetsTimestamps02:18 – Why he left clinical practice and how he got his first pharma job at J&J05:38 – Career highlights: relocating from Hungary and becoming CMO09:09 – Career low point: near job loss during relocation and how he handled it11:01 – Burnout in his first role and the health consequences of overwork13:38 – Overview of Heidelberg Pharma’s ADC platform 15:58 – What defines the people and culture at Heidelberg18:51 – Biggest industry mistakes: bad study design, rushed decisions, outdated models26:00 – Hiring reflections: CV vs culture fit, and how interviews often misleadAbout AndrásDr. András Strassz is the Chief Medical Officer of Heidelberg Pharma, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for targeted cancer treatment. András specializes in early clinical development, focusing on oncology and hematological oncology. He has experience working in both Big Pharma, namely JnJ, Amgen, Novartis, and Biotechs - Polyphor, Affimed, and his current company, Heidelberg Pharma across three countries: Hungary, Germany, and Switzerland. Outside his professional stint, his hobbies are DIY, hiking, and cooking. We have know each other for a while now, always appreciated András honesty, humour and insights and he is here to join me today - welcome.Connect with AndrásLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/András-strassz-md-mba-a03a1147/ Heidelberg Pharma: https://heidelberg-pharma.com/en/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this episode, I talked with Christian Mueller, Chief Development Officer at Immutep. Christian’s path into biotech wasn’t exactly planned—from summarizing VC business plans during his studies to becoming a driving force behind the world’s first Claudin 18.2-directed antibody.We talked about the wins and the setbacks: from finally securing Pembrolizumab supply after years of rejections, to those painful moments when you give your all to a project, and still feel unseen. Christian also opened up about hiring, leadership, and what makes a biotech team truly work (or fall apart). He shared why Immutep has gone all-in on LAG-3, what makes their international culture different from most, and why knowing your weaknesses might just be the most underrated leadership skill.And to wrap things up, we threw in a few quickfire questions, from the book he’s reading (featuring octopuses!) to what he tries to do every single day to stay sharp.Here’s what you’re in for:The red flag that made Christian walk away from a companyWhy great hiring is about cultural fit, not just perfect CVsWhat small biotechs misunderstand most about recruitmentTimestamps:01:54 – From Economics to Biotech: How VC Summaries Led to Drug Development07:41 – Career Lows: Feeling Undervalued and Facing a Regulatory Near-Shutdown13:48 – Why LAG-3? The Science and Conviction Behind Immutep’s Strategy14:34 – Inside Immutep: Low-Ego Culture, Fast Decisions, and Argument-Driven Thinking17:00 – Hiring With Humility: The Culture Fit That Matters Most22:47 – Cultural Fit Over Credentials: What Hiring Managers Really Want33:44 – Quickfire Questions: Books, Octopuses, and Trying New ThingsAbout ChristianChristian Mueller currently serves as the Chief Development Officer at Immutep, where he has been instrumental in advancing the company's lead compound, Efti, from Phase I through to Phase III clinical trials. ​Prior to his tenure at Immutep, Christian led the clinical development of Zolbetuximab, the first-ever CLDN18.2-directed antibody. Christian brings a unique multidisciplinary mindset to his work, describing himself as a “translator” between different scientific and operational domains. Outside of work, he is a lifelong basketball fan and enjoys spending time in natureConnect with ChristianLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-mueller-05199481/ Immutep: https://www.immutep.com/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this episode, I talked with Dr. Bernhardt (Bernie) Zeiher, where he shares key lessons and personal insights from over 25 years in pharmaceutical drug development. Bernie discusses pivotal career moments, including the emotional impact of halting a promising Phase III trial for ARDS, as well as successes such as achieving six drug approvals at Astellas. He emphasizes the critical role of data-driven decision-making, thoughtful hiring, and proactive leadership in managing clinical programs. Bernie also provides candid reflections on common organizational challenges, particularly the damaging effects of poorly executed reorganizations and layoffs. Throughout the conversation, he underscores the importance of fostering a strong, cohesive team culture, and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation in pharma leadership.Bernie also answers some quickfire personal questions: daily coffee habit? Unusual food did Bernie try for the first time recently? Who were the mentors that shaped Bernie’s career the most?(Find out more in the episode.)Here’s What You’re In ForHow data shapes tough go/no-go decisions in drug development.Understanding and avoiding common mistakes during organizational restructuring.Deciding the right moment to transition from part-time consultants to dedicated in-house expertise.Timestamps01:10 Career beginnings and transition from pulmonology to pharma03:35 Emotional setbacks from clinical trial failures09:00 Factors behind Astellas' multiple drug approvals12:20 Common pitfalls organizations face during restructuring and reorganizations16:10 Timing the shift from consultants to dedicated internal clinical leadership19:40 How Bernie assesses culture fit and hiring red flags26:00 Quick insights and personal reflectionsAbout BernieDr. Bernhardt Zeiher is a Member of the board of directors for Entrada Therapeutics, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, and Abeona Therapeutics. Dr. Zeiher is a physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine with over 25 years of experience in drug development. He played a key role in securing approval for CRESEMBA (isavuconazole) for invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis. As Head of Development and later Chief Medical Officer at Astellas, led the organization through one of its most productive periods, overseeing six late-phase development products.Connect with Bernie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernhardtzeiher/ Entrada Therapeutics: https://www.entradatx.com/  Amylyx Pharmaceuticals: https://www.amylyx.com/   Abeona Therapeutics: https://www.abeonatherapeutics.com/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this conversation, I talked with Michael Lahn, Chief Medical Officer of Ionctura, a clinical-stage biotech focusing on therapies for neglected and hard-to-treat cancers, where he shared his insights on drug development, leadership, and the importance of listening in building a successful team culture. He talked about his journey in the biotech industry, discussing the highs and lows of drug development, the lessons learned from his experiences with Osimertinib, and the common mistakes companies make. Michael emphasizes the significance of curiosity, collaboration, and a strong team dynamic in achieving success in the field of oncology.Here's what you're in:How did Michael get into drug development and what were some of the drivers that still push him today? What were some of the highest or proudest moments of his career? What are the key traits for success according to Michael?Timestamps:01:25 Michael's Journey into Drug Development03:28 Highest and Lowest Moments in Michael’s Career05:50 Lessons from Osimertinib Development07:50 Mistakes Companies Are Still Making Today10:26 The Importance of Listening in Leadership13:02 Ionctura's Mission and Achievements22:51 Recruitment and Working with Recruiters29:37 Final Reflections and GratitudeAbout MichaelMichael Lahn, the current Chief Medical Officer of iOnctura,  a clinical-stage biotech focusing on therapies for neglected and hard-to-treat cancers. Michael completed training in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Freiburg in Germany and served as an Instructor in Immunology at the National Jewish Department of Immunology. He spent 14 years at Eli Lilly, became part of AstraZeneca's Osi-mertinib registration team, and later joined Incyte as the Head of the Geneva Office.Connect with MichaelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-l-4a06519/  Company Website: https://www.ionctura.com/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/Website: https://www.discera-search.com/Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.

In this episode, I talked with Peter Tummino, President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, where he discussed what it takes to build a successful biotech R&D engine. Peter shares his insights on company culture and its impact on drug discovery, the challenges of targeting difficult-to-drug proteins, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in pharma and biotech. He also reflects on leadership in R&D, the evolution of drug discovery strategies, and what excites him most about the future of the industry.Here's what you are in for:How does company culture influence scientific innovation in biotech?What are the biggest challenges in drug discovery, and how can teams overcome them?What lessons has Peter learned from his time at GSK, AstraZeneca, and Nimbus?What does the future of small molecule drug development look like?Timestamps:01:09 Career Journey05:15 Challenges and Lessons Learned08:33 Overview of Nimbus Therapeutics10:14 Exciting Clinical Trials at Nimbus11:39 Culture at Nimbus Therapeutics15:25 Industry Observations and AI19:16 Recruitment Insights and Experiences25:06 Quick Fire QuestionsAbout PeterDr. Peter Tummino is the President of Research and Development at Nimbus Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotech that designs and develops novel small molecule medicines targeting difficult-to-drug proteins. He has been in small molecule drug discovery for over thirty years, including the past 6 with Nimbus.While at GSK, he contributed to the discovery of the approved oncology drugs (Dabrafenib, Trametinib, and Daprodustat for chronic kidney disease).  At Nimbus, he led discovery during the development of Zaso-ci-tinib, which is currently in Phase 2 & 3 for psoriasis and other I&I clinical indications.Connect with PeterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-tummino-7496753/ Nimbus Therapeutics: https://www.nimbustx.com/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/Website: https://www.discera-search.com/Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.