Weekly round-up: A fund aiming to free a whopping $30bn of trapped biotech capital, strategic hires, plus a new episode of ‘Dealmakers’ on Optimum TV
Renée Aguiar-Lucander appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hansa Biopharma
Hansa Biopharma AB, “Hansa” (Nasdaq Stockholm: HNSA) announced the appointment of Renée Aguiar-Lucander as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Aguiar-Lucander served for seven years as CEO of Calliditas Therapeutics AB where she successfully led the company through a dual listing on NASDAQ in both Sweden and the U.S. During her tenure, the company successfully launched and commercialized the first ever approved drug for immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy in the U.S. Under her leadership Calliditas was acquired by Asahi Kasei Corporation of Japan in September 2024.
Alis Biosciences launched to free over USD$30 billion of capital trapped in listed development-stage life sciences and biotech companies
Alis Biosciences announced its launch as a new fund that provides an efficient mechanism to help investors recoup and recycle over USD$30 billion of capital trapped in c.300 listed biotech companies worldwide that have experienced clinical or regulatory setbacks, while allowing residual science and IP to be developed. The fund is led by highly experienced industry and investment executives Annalisa Jenkins and Nicholas Johnston.
Heidelberg Pharma AG announced its Q1 2025 results
Heidelberg Pharma reported its results for the first three months of 2025 (1 December 2024 – 28 February 2025). The lead ATAC candidate, HDP-101, has again proven to be safe and well tolerated in cohort 7 of the clinical trial in multiple myeloma. Cohort 8 is expected to start soon. The clinical development of the second ADC program HDP-102 in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has started. Additionally, following the amendment of the contract with HealthCare Royalty, the further payment of USD 20 million has significantly extended the company’s cash reach.
Novo Holdings and EIFO invest €48 million in HealthCap IX to strengthen the Nordic life sciences ecosystem
Novo Holdings and the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO) have jointly invested €48 million in HealthCap IX, a Swedish life sciences venture fund focused on building innovative companies in areas of high unmet medical need. The fund has committed to supporting early-stage companies emerging from academic and corporate research environments, with the aim of helping them progress towards further financing.
Astraveus strengthens leadership team and board
Astraveus announced that it has strengthened its leadership team and Board of Directors with three experienced hires. Jean-Paul Mangeolle joins as Chairman of the Board of Directors, David Newble as a new Independent Board Member, and Laurence Riot Lamotte as Chief Financial Officer.
📺 Optimum TV
In the latest episode of Optimum TV’s Dealmakers series, watch Jonathan Tobin of Brandon Capital talk about Trump, the threat of tariffs, and why things are likely to have settled down by this time next year. Tobin also outlines how he is helping build Brandon’s portfolio in Europe; why first-in-class, differentiated assets are the name of the game; and why he sees a sunnier outlook for the years ahead.
🔥 Hot topic
👥 Industry events
The Optimum Team will be attending at the LSX World Congress next week! If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late to secure your spot and as a proud supporting partner, Optimum is pleased to offer a 10% F&F discount. Please reach out if you would like to utilise this or connect with us there.
📍 28th – 30th April 2025. Business Design Centre, London, UK
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