Former Ablynx exec joins Kiadis as Chief Scientific Officer
pharmafile | February 5, 2019 | Appointment | Business Services, Manufacturing and Production, Medical Communications, Research and Development, Sales and Marketing | Ablynx, appointment, kiadis, pharma
Dutch/US firm Kiadis Pharma revealed that Dr Robert Friesen became its new Chief Science Officer (CSO) as January turned into February. In the role, he will report to CEO Arthur Lahr and hold responsibility for the company’s science, discovery and pre-clinical development operations, as well as hold membership of Kiadis’ management team.
Prior to his new role, Dr Friesen served as CSO at Ablynx before its acquisition by Sanofi – the latest in a career spanning over 20 years – where he oversaw more than 300 employees in over 40 development-stage product candidates. In his preceding role he led the Science and Early Development division at ProQR Therapeutics as Senior Vice President, and before this he held the position of Global Head of Biologics Research at Janssen BioTherapeutics, helping to build a 200-strong R&D function.
Elsewhere, he also served as Vice President Preclinical and Clinical Research at the Crucell Vaccine Institute and Head of Preclinical & Early Clinical Development at MorphoSys.
In addition to his storied career, Dr Friesen is also the author of a number of peer reviewed publications focusing on a range of areas including oncology, immunotherapy and infectious diseases.
CEO Arthur Lahr remarked on the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Robert to Kiadis. Hisoutstanding scientific track record and experience in innovative drug development will add further depth and breadth to Kiadis as we progress the development of ATIR101 through phase 3 clinical trials.”
Dr Friesen himself commented: “I am very pleased to join Kiadis Pharma at this exciting stage as the Company approaches the potential approval of its lead product candidate, ATIR101, in the EU. I look forward to working with this dynamic and talented team to build and maximise the potential of our pipeline.”
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