Ablynx, recently acquired by Sanofi, has appointed Robert Freisen to the role of chief scientific officer, who will head the biopharma’s scientific research and technology activities.
He succeeds Dr Antonin de Fougerolles, who left the company last year to become Evox Therapeutics’ chief executive officer.
Freisen has more than 20 years’ experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, leading multiple research and development organisations.
He said: “I have long admired Ablynx and am excited to join the company at such an important time.
“With Ablynx’s strong pipeline, platform and technology, I am confident that our talented team will continue to deliver novel products to patients that address unmet medical needs where there are currently limited or no therapeutic options.”
He has previously held roles for ProQR Therapeutics, Janssen BioTherapeutics, and MorphoSys.
Dr Edwin Moses, chief executive officer of Ablynx, said: “Robert brings an extensive track record of successfully initiating and executing new drug discovery programmes as well as building strong research organisations.
“We are pleased to have him join our team and lead our company’s research activities at such an important and exciting time for Ablynx and we will be able to leverage his critical expertise and proven leadership capabilities as we expand our proprietary Nanobody product pipeline.”