VP, Chemistry and Manufacturing Control (CMC) Operations at Cantargia
Our client:
Cantargia AB specialises in antibody-based cancer treatments. The company focuses on two forms of cancer where there is a significant need: non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer and has just started a Phase IIa clinical trial with its main product, CAN04. The company has also started development of a new antibody designed for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Cantargia, which was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm Main Market (Small Cap) in 2015, is based in Lund, Sweden. To date it has raised SEK 500m and has a strong balance sheet (SEK 250m).
The challenge:
Following the promotion of Liselotte Larsson – the current VP, CMC Operations – to COO, a replacement needed to be found who would report to the CEO and become a member of the Leadership Team.
The position offered an experienced CMC specialist the opportunity to join a well-funded SME and be a member of a highly experienced BioPharma Executive Team to help drive new outcomes and clinical data for improved treatment regimes in difficult to treat cancers such as lung and pancreatic cancers. Being part of a small organisation offered the incumbent high visibility, broad responsibilities and an opportunity to make a real impact on how patients will be treated in the future.
How our approach made a difference:
Following Liselotte Larsson’s internal move, we set out to find the ideal replacement. We focused primarily on candidates in Sweden and Denmark, followed by candidates in the rest of Europe, excluding those whose CMC experience was purely analytical and those who did not have previous technical experience in process/analytical development, despite having held roles as CMC programme/project leaders. Those who worked for predominantly NCE companies were also excluded.
The careful filter we employed throughout this search, informed by a clear, focused understanding of the company, allowed us to find the ideal candidate for the role. This was possible due to our extensive industry knowledge, unparalleled experience and global networks.