Flot.bio x Philip Hemme

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 MENTIONEDKadans 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-cancerDominik 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/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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

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 SPEAKERPrior 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 MENTIONEDPascal 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-canceIncyte and Novartis deal (2009) —https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-major-collaboration-and-license-agreement-twoHoppenot steps down as Incyte CEO (2025) — https://investor.incyte.com/news-releases/news-release-details/incyte-announces-change-its-board-directorsargenx leadership transition (2026) —https://argenx.com/news/2026/press-release-3212418BioNTech co-founders leadership transition (2026) — https://investors.biontech.de/news-releases/news-release-details/biontech-and-co-founders-announce-plan-pursue-next-generationIncyte 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.aspxU.S. FDA approves Padcev (2025) https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/us-fda-approves-padcevr-plus-keytrudar-certain-patientsFabrice 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📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/herve-hoppenot-incyte-jafaki/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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

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 [nadja.pahl@bih-charite.de](mailto:nadja.pahl@bih-charite.de) ---⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERSander 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 MENTIONEDForbion 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-blindnessGSK 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_enCapital markets union — https://finance.ec.europa.eu/financial-markets/financial-markets-policy/capital-markets-union_enGimv discontinues activities for new Life Sciences investments — https://www.gimv.com/en/news/gimv-increases-focus-strategic-objectives-and-discontinues-activities-new-life-sciencesWhy the Strait of Hormuz matters so much in the Iran war — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c78n6p09pznoAntoine 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/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sander-slootweg-forbion-eu-biotech-investment/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIOFlot.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

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 SPEAKERPrior 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 MENTIONEDBial’s website — https://www.bial.com/enBial 2024 financials — https://downloads.ctfassets.net/oyx9uzi3vj2y/XTmSUhXd7ggVEnpJLx0Ch/7a22a851246d910c517e064fca4b6968/Consolidated_Management_Report_BIAL_Holding_2024.pdfBial launches KYNMOBI in Portugal and Spain — https://bial.com/en/media/news/bial-launches-kynmobi-in-portugal-and-spainSuccession TV show — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7660850/BIO-Europe Spring — https://informaconnect.com/bioeurope-spring/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/António-Portela-BIAL-parkinsons-biopharma/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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

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 SPEAKERSten joined Cereno as CEO in 2015, with decades of experience in pharma, ranging from Monsanto Pharma to AstraZeneca.🔗 LINKS MENTIONEDCereno’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=2D7F159764FDB891Cereno'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-trialCereno Scientific Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Global Phase IIb Trial of CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) - https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=008944355F62DA91Competing drug Winrevair / sotatercept by US Merck - https://www.drugs.com/winrevair.html📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sten-sorensen-cereno-drug-repurposing/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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 1979, Transgene has transformed itself into a leading personalized cancer vaccine player. Alessandro talks about the transformation, his history in cell therapy and how Europe’s biotech space can rival those of the US and China.---Learn more about Transgene: https://bit.ly/tg_flotbio---⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERAlessandro became Transgene’s CEO in 2023 after joining in 2022 as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also played a key role in Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma and the regulatory approval of the CAR-T therapy Yescarta. 🔗 LINKS MENTIONEDTransgene’s website - https://www.transgene.fr/Transgene’s €105 million fundraising - https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/26/3195422/0/en/Transgene-Successfully-Completes-a-Fundraising-of-c-105-Million.htmlFDA approves neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-neoadjuvant-and-adjuvant-pembrolizumab-resectable-locally-advanced-head-and-neckGilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma for $11.9 billion - https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2017/gilead-sciences-to-acquire-kite-pharma-for-119-billionJohnson & Johnson’s collaboration and license deal withLegend Biotech - https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/janssen-enters-worldwide-collaboration-and-license-agreement-with-chinese-company-legend-biotech-to-develop-investigational-car-t-anti-cancer-therapy📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/alessandro-riva-transgene-cancer-vaccines/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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[00:02:02] Transgene, the French biotech heavyweight[00:04:55] Standout personalized cancer vaccine[00:25:33] Transgene’s €105 million fundraising [00:32:05] Catalysts and oncolytic viruses

Why have early AI drug-discovery companies often overpromised but underdelivered? Biology is still complex and hard to solve, Werner told Philip in Vienna.We revisit Werner in Vienna after he left Evotec and went on a sabbatical in 2024. We talk about his new missions as FairJourney CEO and founder of WLAN Holdings, and discuss the global CDMO scene and Europe’s competitivity in biotech.And while it's still early days yet, we find out AI will transform the way we work in biopharma going forward, with new generations of companies shaping their business models around it.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERWerner is the new CEO of FairJourney Biologics and invests with his holding. He served as CEO of Evotec from 2009 to 2024, expanding the company’s revenues and workforce. Prior to this, he was the CFO of Intercell in Austria for nine years.🔗 LINKS MENTIONEDWLAN Holding’s website - [](https://tiltbio.com/) https://wlanholding.com/Werner Lanthaler, Evotec | Leading AI in Biotech | E02 -- https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-evotec-ai-in-biotech/Antoine Papiernik, Sofinnova | Billion Investing with Balance | E01 — https://flot.bio/episode/antoine-papiernik-sofinnova-ebillion-biotech-investing-with-balance/Alex Zhavoronkov, Insilico Medicine | AI Drug Development, Longevity | E39 — https://flot.bio/episode/alex-zhavoronkov-insilico-medicine-ai-drug-development-longevity/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-biopharma-ai/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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[00:02:09] Werner Lanthaler: from Evotec to new roles[00:06:01] WLAN Holding and the benefits of a sabbatical[00:10:58] Inside the Evotec departure[00:13:13] Joining FairJourney Biologics[00:20:33] The job market in Europe[00:23:49] CDMO competition and China[00:28:07] Letting European biotech compete globally[00:34:50] How AI has overpromised in biopharma[00:48:09] Quick-fire questions

When Abivax released stunning phase 3 results for ulcerative colitis, its 600% stock price surge froze Euronext for 45 minutes.Philip meets Abivax CEO Marc de Garidel in Vienna, Austria, to go behind the scenes of a remarkable biotech turnaround.Marc discusses the processes involved in executing the phase 3 trial that beat even Abivax’s own phase 2 data. He also talks about France’s biotech ecosystem and the importance of having the right team.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERMarc de Garidel joined Abivax as CEO in 2023. Prior to this, he led two biotech companies through billion-dollar exits (CinCor Pharma and Corvidia Therapeutics). He also served as CEO of Ipsen from 2010 to 2016, and has worked at the likes of Amgen and Eli Lilly.🔗 LINKS MENTIONEDAbivax’s website - https://www.abivax.com/Phase 3 results - https://ir.abivax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/abivax-announces-positive-phase-3-results-both-abtect-8-week$747.5 million public offering - https://ir.abivax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/abivax-announces-closing-7475-million-public-offeringMarc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits (“smoothly”) | E09 - https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/Chris Martin, Verona Pharma 🇬🇧 | Ohtuvayre, COPD, Execution | E34 - https://flot.bio/episode/chris-martin-verona-pharma-copd/Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma 🇩🇰 | Biopharma Turnaround | E31https://flot.bio/episode/christophe-bourdon-leo-pharma-biopharma/Nanobiotix episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Krhyy6a-nw&pp=0gcJCQMKAYcqIYzvFabrice Chouraqui, Pharming 🇳🇱 | Transgenic Rabbits, Rare Diseases | E43 - https://flot.bio/episode/fabrice-chouraqui-pharming-transgenic-rabbit/📜 TRANSCRIPT Read the full transcript here:💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.⏰ TIMESTAMPS0:44: Abivax’s crazy Ph3 data and stock price jump4:06: Surging investor demand on NASDAQ and Euronext8:58: Future directions11:02: Executing a Phase 3 home run17:20: Marc de Garidel's leadership style21:58: Abivax: origins34:51: France's billion-dollar biotechs44:11: Quick-fire questions

As Philip tours Amsterdam, he visits the biotech tools startup LUMICKS. Founded in 2014, the firm offers products analyzing the binding interactions between molecules and cells, with applications in drug development, CAR-T therapies, and manufacturing.Philip sits down with co-founder Gerrit Sitters to discuss the company’s trajectory, the cyclic biotech investment market, and lessons from spinning the firm out from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.---Explore how LUMICKS' technology helps develop biologics and cell therapies with unique cell avidity data — http://bit.ly/lumicks---⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERGerrit co-founded LUMICKS in 2014 following a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and co-invented the technology behind LUMICKS’ main products. Gerrit now serves as Head of Product, where he aims to deploy the company’s products to tackle challenges in the life sciences.🔗 LINKS MENTIONEDLUMICKS’ website - https://www.lumicks.com/NanoTemper: https://flot.bio/episode/philipp-baaske-nanotemper-boostrapping-biotech/DNA Script: https://flot.bio/episode/thomas-ybert-dna-script-dna-printing/Adaptimmune: https://flot.bio/episode/adrian-rawcliffe-adaptimmune/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/gerrit-sitters-lumicks-car-t-therapy/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmHLinkedIn: 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.BIOFlot.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[00:02:09] The history of LUMICKS[00:08:33] Visualizing microscopic interactions[00:14:29] Improving drug development[00:20:33] AI and digital labs[00:29:53] Quality control and manufacturing applications[00:31:58] Single-cell analysis and CAR-T[00:46:13] LUMICKS’ future milestones[00:47:13] Cyclic biotech market[01:00:15] Gerrit Sitters’ career takeaways[01:18:01] Quick-fire questions

Hot on the heels of CUTISS’ $60M Series C round, we catch up once more with CEO and co-founder Daniela Marino. We chat about the company’s mission to develop an engineered tissue therapy to reduce the need for skin grafts in patients with severe burns. She also explains the decentralization of tissue manufacturing with automation and the need for perseverance as a founder and CEO.---This episode is sponsored by CUTISS, the only TechBio company in the advanced clinical stage of developing skin tissue therapies. Learn how you can support CUTISS on its path to Series C success: https://bit.ly/flotbio-cutiss---⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERIn 2023, Daniela Marino was named as one of the 30 Rising Leaders in the healthcare industry, thanks to the impact of CUTISS, the company she co-founded as a spin-off from the University of Zurich. Here, she and her team have made waves for people suffering from severe skin injuries and defects through regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and skin pigmentation.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- CUTISS’ website – https://cutiss.swiss/- CUTISS’ Series C round – https://cutiss.swiss/cutiss-closes-chf-56m-series-c-round-and-signs-agreement-with-leading-european-burn-center/- CUTISS’ Phase II trial data – https://cutiss.swiss/phase-2-clinical-trials-update-from-cutiss/- Daniela Marino, CUTISS 🇨🇭 | Skin Tissue Therapeutics, TechBio | E33 – https://flot.bio/episode/daniela-marino-cutiss-skin-tissue-therapeutics/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/daniela-marino-cutiss-tissue-engineering/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!🫶 FOLLOW USNewsletter: 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.BIOFlot.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] Investors in CUTISS’ Series C round [00:06:45] Expanding a hospital collaboration [00:08:34] Decentralized manufacturing drive [00:11:50] Tissue therapeutics vs skin grafts [00:24:35] Reimbursement and health economics [00:38:39] CUTISS’ partnering and exit options [00:47:54] Automation and artificial intelligence [00:56:32] Europe can show its strength in biotech [00:58:52] Daniela Marino answers quick-fire questions

On a trip to Basel, Switzerland, Philip catches up with Stefano Portolano, CEO of the European firm Azafaros. They chat about Azafaros’ massive $147M Series B round in May 2025, which is being used to develop a small molecule treatment for rare diseases known as lysosomal storage disorders.Stefano also explains how rare diseases went in and out of fashion with big pharma, the revival of small molecule drugs relative to gene therapies and biologics, and his extensive experience in big biotech firms.⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERWith more than 20 years of experience in orphan diseases under his belt, Stefano Portolano joined Azafaros in 2021. He previously served as Vice President, Strategy & Commercial Operations at Celgene and Head of Europe at Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals.Stefano first received his Doctor of Medicine from Università degli Studi di Napoli ‘Federico II,’ Italy and carried out research in autoimmunity as an adjunct assistant professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, USA.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Azafaros website - https://www.azafaros.com/- Azafaros Series B round - https://www.azafaros.com/news/azafaros-secures-132m-in-oversubscribed-series-b-financing-to-advance-phase-3-clinical-programs-of-innovative-therapies-in-lysosomal-storage-disorders/l211c14- Joris Pezzini, Alira Health | Hottest Biotech Insights - https://flot.bio/episode/joris-pezzini-alira-health-biotech-trend/- Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits (“smoothly”) - https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/stefano-portolano-azafaros-rare-disease/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio 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.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:01:45] Azafaros’ origin and $147M B round- [00:04:39] Developing nizubaglustat- [00:11:17] Competition in Niemann-Pick disease type C- [00:18:44] The small molecule revival- [00:24:29] Keeping options open- [00:27:23] Europe’s growing role in biotech investments- [00:30:12] The rare disease fashion- [00:51:20] Getting personal with Stefano Portolano- [01:11:11] Quickfire

We jet off to Central London to meet Robin Carr, CEO of Myricx Bio, a startup developing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to treat cancer.The team’s idea – using a novel ADC payload inhibiting molecules called N-myristoyltransferases (NMTs) – helped them to bag an impressive £90M ($114M) Series A round in 2024.Robin outlines Myricx’s journey from small molecule antivirals to the booming market of cancer ADCs, and how the transition from big pharma to biotech has been an energising experience for him.--------------------This episode is sponsored by Kadans. Learn more about Kadans’ London Innovation Centre where life sciences companies grow from start-up to global player: https://bit.ly/kadans-myricxbio--------------------⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERRobin kicked off his Myricx experience as chief development officer in November 2019, before rising to the CEO seat in August 2022. Before this, he was VP of drug discovery at Astex Therapeutics, before spending more than a decade in research executive roles at GSK. ending up as SVP Drug Design and Selection.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Myricx Bio’s website: (https://tiltbio.com/)https://myricxbio.com/- Myrcix Bio’s Series A round: (https://tiltbio.com/userassets/uploads/2025/05/TILT-Series-B-press-release-May-2025.pdf)https://myricxbio.com/myricx-bio-announces-90m-114m-series-a-financing-to-advance-its-novel-nmti-adc-therapeutics-into-clinical-development/- A winding road – the many adventures of a promising ADC - Cancer Research UK: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/07/09/a-winding-road-the-many-adventures-of-a-promising-adc/- Dominik Schumacher, Tubulis 🇩🇪 | Founder-led ADC Biotech ⭐️ | E19: https://flot.bio/episode/dominik-schumacher-tubulis/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/robin-carr-myricx-bio-adc/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio 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.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:43] Navigating biotech networking[00:07:30] Myricx’s Series A and transformation[00:10:45] The pivot to ADCs[00:22:10] NMT ADCs in cancer[00:32:09] The big pharma to biotech leap[00:42:39] ADCs in Europe, the US and Asia[00:46:17] ADCs are a booming market[00:52:35] Quick-fire questions

Fresh after leading Calliditas Therapeutics through a $1.1B acquisition, Renee Aguiar-Lucander takes us through her new CEO role at Hansa Biopharma 🇸🇪.We learn how Hansa is commercialising Idefirix, its lead product for improving outcomes in kidney transplantation. We also cover the hot area of immunology, the behind-the-scenes story behind Calliditas’ takeover and the complex world of biotech financing.-----Launching a biotech startup? Grab your Biotech Starter Kit through Merck’s New Lab Starter Program and get the tools and support you need from day one: https://bit.ly/biotech-starter-kit----⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKERRenee Aguiar-Lucander became the CEO of Hansa Biopharma in April 2025 after a seven-year tenure as CEO of Calliditas Therapeutics, which Asahi Kasei Corporation acquired in September 2024. Before her CEO roles, she also had a long career in healthcare investments with senior roles in funds including Omega Fund Management and 3i Group.🔗 LINKS MENTIONED- Hansa Biopharma’s Interim Report Q1 April 2025: https://www.hansabiopharma.com/files/Main/1219/4138498/20250423-hnsa--q1-2025-quarterly-report-eng.pdf- The acquisition announcement of Calliditas Therapeutics by Asahi Kasei: https://asahi-kasei.eu/acquire-calliditas-therapeutics-ab/- Hansa Biopharma’s website: https://www.hansabiopharma.com/- Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits ("smoothly") | E09: https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/- Christophe Bourdon, LEO Pharma 🇩🇰 | Biopharma Turnaround | E31: https://flot.bio/episode/christophe-bourdon-leo-pharma-biopharma/📜 TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/renee-aguiar-lucander-hansa/💸 DONATEWe 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 nick@flot.bio 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.BIOFlot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 20k monthly views. Free.⏰ TIMESTAMPS- [00:00:00] Intro- [00:02:18] Joining Hansa Biopharma- [00:03:23] How Idefirix works- [00:06:45] Commercialization and competition- [00:15:24] Navigating biotech finances- [00:19:51] Lessons from Calliditas’ exit- [00:27:11] Sofinnova and European crossover funds- [00:41:23] Immunology is hot- [00:44:04] Financing to management- [00:47:54] Women leading biotech- [00:50:20] Quickfire