Belgian based drugmaker Ablynx has appointed Robert Friesen, PhD, as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), who will begin his role in March 2018.
Dr Friesen will lead the scientific, research and technology activities in Ablynx and will become a member of the Executive Committee. He succeeds Dr Antonin de Fougerolles, Ablynx’s previous CSO, who left Ablynx last year to become Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Evox Therapeutics.
Welcoming Dr Friesen to the team. Dr Edwin Moses, CEO 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. We will be able to leverage his critical expertise and proven leadership capabilities as we expand our proprietary Nanobody product pipeline and execute on our multiple strategic collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies. We look forward to welcoming Robert as we continue to advance our leading Nanobody platform to deliver meaningful products to patients around the world, and create substantial value for Ablynx’s shareholders.”
Commenting on his appointment. Dr Friesen said: “I have long admired Ablynx and am excited to join the Company at such an important time. With Ablynx’s upside potential, I look forward to meaningfully contributing to Ablynx’s momentum and advancing our leading Nanobody platform to help drive forward the Company’s strategy of becoming a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company. 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.”