Where Nordic Science Meets Global Scale

Adam Bruce is an experienced biotechnology executive currently serving as the CEO of Abarceo Pharma AB. Based in Sweden and an alumnus of Lund University, he leads the strategic direction of Abarceo Pharma in its mission to develop innovative treatments for metabolic diseases. With a strong network across the Nordic life sciences sector, Adam has extensive experience in corporate leadership, fund-raising, and the clinical advancement of early-stage pharmaceutical assets.

Andrea Salmén is the Chief Operating Officer at Neogap Therapeutics, where she spearheads the development of personalised T-cell therapies for solid tumours. She possesses broad expertise in biologics and cell therapy development, spanning manufacturing, early clinical development, and regulatory affairs. Working at the interface of science and operations, Andrea focuses on the execution of feasible early-phase trials for innovative personalised therapies both in the Nordic region and on an international scale.

Dr. Carolina Säll is a leading expert in drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently the Global DDI Expert at Novo Nordisk, she oversees a diverse portfolio of small molecules and biologics, having contributed to two successful NDA submissions. Dr. Säll holds a PhD from the University of Manchester, where she focused on computer-based modelling and simulation. She is a prominent figure in cross-industry collaboration, serving as the initiator and chair of the EFPIA peptide DDI working group, which unites experts from ten leading pharmaceutical companies to advance therapeutic peptide predictions.

Dr. Håkan Yildirim is an accomplished European Patent Attorney and Litigator currently serving as the Patent Lead at Alvotech. With a deep technical foundation from the Karolinska Institutet, he specialises in navigating the complex intellectual property landscapes of Biotech, Chemistry, and Medtech.

A recognised expert in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and VR/AR, Dr. Yildirim is a frequent public speaker and university lecturer. He brings extensive experience in protecting biological innovations and managing high-stakes patent strategies within the global pharmaceutical industry.

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Knut R. Steffensen is a distinguished leader in advanced therapies, currently serving as the Director of the Karolinska ATMP Center. This strategic collaboration between Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital focuses on cell, gene, and tissue-based medicinal products. With a background as an Associate Professor in Molecular Medicine and eight years of pharmaceutical industry experience—including the clinical introduction of CAR-T therapies—Knut is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and clinical application to accelerate patient access to transformative treatments.

Dr. Elhem Sbaa is a seasoned scientist and regulatory expert with over 17 years of experience in clinical and CMC regulatory affairs. Currently Head of Global Regulatory Affairs at CelltoCure in Denmark, she holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Rouen. Her expertise spans stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and medical devices across both CROs and biotech firms. Dr. Sbaa has a proven track record in building regulatory departments and consulting for major industry players like GSK and UCB, navigating complex global requirements for biologicals and cell therapy products.

Vibhava Shukla is a distinguished expert in biologics and biosimilars with 15 years of industry experience. Currently Director and Head of DS MSAT at Alvotech, he specialises in tech transfer, process validation, and CMC evaluation for both single-use and multi-use facilities. With a background in R&D and pilot lab management, Vibhava is a subject matter expert for FDA, EMA, and PMDA audits. He holds three process patents and has extensive experience in monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and microbial manufacturing, focusing on process intensification and ensuring business continuity through robust MSAT leadership.

Dr. Kumar Ashesh is an experienced biotechnology leader with over 12 years of experience as CEO at Paras Biopharma Finland. Holding a PhD in Biosciences and Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, he oversees the global development of biosimilars and biologics, including oncology and anti-diabetic treatments. Dr. Ashesh specialises in clone and process development, focusing on robust technology platforms for fermentation and downstream protein purification to deliver cost-effective healthcare solutions through strategic out-licensing.

Peter Ellmark joined Alligator Bioscience in 2008 and serves as Chief Scientist. He holds a PhD and a professorship in Immunotechnology at Lund University and has more than 20 years’ experience of developing antibodies for immunotherapy of cancer. Dr. Ellmark´s research interest is focused on developing mono- and bispecific antibodies, in particular CD40 and 4-1BB targeting therapies, for tumor directed immunotherapy of cancer.

Jonas Båtelson is an entrepreneur and investor specializing in biopharma and digital health. He has extensive experience in innovation, strategic transformation, and large-scale commercial roll-outs across various segments of healthcare, life sciences, and technology. His work focuses on building and scaling new ventures, drawing on a strong background of over 15 years in management consulting. He applies this deep industry expertise to drive the successful launch and growth of companies in both Europe and the US.

Dr. Arruda is a cancer immunotherapy specialist with expertise in TCR-T, TILs, CAR-T, and bispecific antibodies. His work focuses on developing next-generation cell and antibody-based therapies, with particular emphasis on TILs, T-cell and NK-cell engagers for solid and hematologic malignancies. He has a strong background in immune profiling and translational research, applying advanced technologies such as flow cytometry, next-generation sequencing, and single-cell analysis to accelerate the development of personalized immunotherapies.

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Niklas Jungnelius, Process Modeling Leader at Cytiva, advises drug manufacturers, industry associations, and internal stakeholders on the impacts of various process technology options. Niklas provides guidance in wisely choosing between these options to meet manufacturing objectives such as process economy, facility fit, and environmental sustainability.

Niklas holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Chalmers University of Technology and has 25 years of experience in the life science industry, half of which has been in different strategic positions at Cytiva and GE Healthcare.

Dr. Petri Bono is a distinguished oncologist and clinical leader currently serving as the Chief Medical Officer at Faron Pharmaceuticals. With an academic foundation from the University of Helsinki, he has extensive experience in clinical drug development and medical strategy. Dr. Bono leads the clinical advancement of innovative immunotherapies, bringing a wealth of expertise in navigating complex clinical trials and regulatory pathways within the Nordic biotech sector and the international pharmaceutical landscape.

Dr. Sofia Mayans is an experienced life science leader with a PhD in Human Genetics from Umeå University,specialising in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Following postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Copenhagen and the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, she transitioned to industry as the co-founder of InfiCure Bio. Sofia has held senior leadership and business development roles at SLU Holding and Vakona AB. She currently serves as the Head of Manufacturing Site for Diamyd Medical in Umeå, overseeing the production facilities critical to the company's innovative therapeutic pipeline.

Sandra Racordon Pape is a senior regulatory and quality leader with over 25 years of experience supporting biologics, bloodderived products, and advanced therapyadjacent technologies from early development through commercialization. As Regulatory Science & Strategy Leader at Cytiva, she works at the intersection of CMC, manufacturing readiness, and regulatory strategy, helping teams design phaseappropriate development pathways that support firstinhuman and early clinical studies. Sandra brings deep handson experience with FDACBER interactions, CMC change management, inspection readiness, and global IND/CTAenabling strategies, including complex and novel modalities.

Thomas Noe Vestergaard Pedersen is a senior regulatory leader with over 22 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector. He currently manages a team of 14 GMP medicines inspectors at the Danish Medicines Agency, where he has served for 12 years. Prior to his regulatory career, he spent over a decade in various roles within the Danish pharmaceutical industry. Thomas holds a PhD in Ecotoxicology and a Master’s degree in Biology and Chemistry,providing him with a robust scientific foundation for overseeing GMP compliance and inspection standards.