CORE MEMBERS
LAURE BERLINER, PharmD., MBA - MARKETING, MARKET RESEARCH, FABS CHAIR
Market researcher and strategic thinker with more than 15 years of combined experience in the pharma/biotech, life sciences, medical device and diagnostics industries in France and in the US with an extensive background in multiple therapeutic areas, new technologies, and all stages of product development working in both consulting and corporate roles. Currently Senior Consultant at EAC corp, a strategy consulting firm bridging clinical medicine and diagnostic technology, and consultant for start-ups biotech and pharma, medical device and clinical diagnostics companies. Previously Associate Director, Market and Customers Insights at Charles River Labs, MA and Senior Product Manager at Wyeth-Lederle, France. Laure has been involved with the FABS since its inception. She is also an active board member of the French American Chamber of Commerce, New England chapter.
Market researcher and strategic thinker with more than 15 years of combined experience in the pharma/biotech, life sciences, medical device and diagnostics industries in France and in the US with an extensive background in multiple therapeutic areas, new technologies, and all stages of product development working in both consulting and corporate roles. Currently Senior Consultant at EAC corp, a strategy consulting firm bridging clinical medicine and diagnostic technology, and consultant for start-ups biotech and pharma, medical device and clinical diagnostics companies. Previously Associate Director, Market and Customers Insights at Charles River Labs, MA and Senior Product Manager at Wyeth-Lederle, France. Laure has been involved with the FABS since its inception. She is also an active board member of the French American Chamber of Commerce, New England chapter.
JIM SHANAHAN, START-UP FUNDRAISING, ORGANIZATION, RESOURCING, VALUE PROPOSITION DEVELOPMENT, MESSAGING, & SALES
Serial entrepreneur with expertise in establishing and managing start-ups, including obtaining financing and developing core messaging and establishing key clients. Jim has an ability to seize on great ideas and develop business strategies to turn them into products, to attract and retain top industry talent, to understand and to effectively communicate complex technical ideas, to create and execute business plans, and to effectively execute on sales and marketing plans. He is experienced in multiple industries, including biotech drug development, consumer electronics, and audio electronics.
Serial entrepreneur with expertise in establishing and managing start-ups, including obtaining financing and developing core messaging and establishing key clients. Jim has an ability to seize on great ideas and develop business strategies to turn them into products, to attract and retain top industry talent, to understand and to effectively communicate complex technical ideas, to create and execute business plans, and to effectively execute on sales and marketing plans. He is experienced in multiple industries, including biotech drug development, consumer electronics, and audio electronics.
GIGI SHAFAI, PHARM.D., MEDICAL AFFAIRS STRATEGY, SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATIONS & BD
Gigi holds a Pharm.D. with a fellowship in Clinical Study Management, with over 12 years of clinical pharmacy and cross-functional industry experience in a variety of therapeutic areas, most recently in gastroenterology and nephrology. She has a versatile industry background with expertise in identification of key opinion leaders and clinical study sites, product launch execution, medical communications and competitive intelligence, scientific information searching and data analysis, product/disease diligence, business development and alliance management. Currently, Gigi is Director of Medical Affairs at Akebia Therapeutics. She previously worked for Ironwood, Salix, Genzyme , American Regent division of Luitpold (a Daiichi Sankyo company), Roche (US and France), and US NIH. Gigi has supported Boston’s French Cultural Center and French-American Chamber of Commerce of New England for several years. She is passionately committed to bridging the gap between French and US healthcare initiatives and companies, with a goal of furthering science and innovation to support unmet medical needs in the best interest of patients.
Gigi holds a Pharm.D. with a fellowship in Clinical Study Management, with over 12 years of clinical pharmacy and cross-functional industry experience in a variety of therapeutic areas, most recently in gastroenterology and nephrology. She has a versatile industry background with expertise in identification of key opinion leaders and clinical study sites, product launch execution, medical communications and competitive intelligence, scientific information searching and data analysis, product/disease diligence, business development and alliance management. Currently, Gigi is Director of Medical Affairs at Akebia Therapeutics. She previously worked for Ironwood, Salix, Genzyme , American Regent division of Luitpold (a Daiichi Sankyo company), Roche (US and France), and US NIH. Gigi has supported Boston’s French Cultural Center and French-American Chamber of Commerce of New England for several years. She is passionately committed to bridging the gap between French and US healthcare initiatives and companies, with a goal of furthering science and innovation to support unmet medical needs in the best interest of patients.
MONIQUE YOAKIM-TURK, Ph.D. - TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Monique is a life sciences professional with experience in identifying and evaluating academic early stage innovations, establishing external partnerships with multiple stakeholders to advance the stage of development of early technologies and licensing these to industry and venture capital partners to develop new products for patient care. Monique has significant experience in team and project management, contract negotiations and patent prosecution. Monique holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Tufts University Sackler School and since 2000 has held various roles in the Technology Innovation and Development Office (TIDO) at Boston Children Hospital. She is currently Partner of the BCH Technology Development Fund.
Monique is a life sciences professional with experience in identifying and evaluating academic early stage innovations, establishing external partnerships with multiple stakeholders to advance the stage of development of early technologies and licensing these to industry and venture capital partners to develop new products for patient care. Monique has significant experience in team and project management, contract negotiations and patent prosecution. Monique holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Tufts University Sackler School and since 2000 has held various roles in the Technology Innovation and Development Office (TIDO) at Boston Children Hospital. She is currently Partner of the BCH Technology Development Fund.
ALEXANDRE BLANCHOT, PharmD., MBA- NORTH AMERICA BD- BUSINESS FRANCE
Alexandre is currently in charge of the North American Health department at Business France, the French public agency for international development of the economy. Over the last couple of years, Alexandre has helped French innovative life sciences start-up companies to expand successfully their business activities in the United States and Canada. Alexandre’s mission is to provide strategic business development to sustain their growth in North America, and accelerate their development and visibility through trade shows, scientific conferences and events. Alexandre organized and coordinated the French presence at Bio in Boston in 2018, and participates to entrepreneur programs like New Technology Venture Accelerator (NETVA) and Young Entrepreneur Initiative (Yei). Prior to Business France, Alexandre worked in drug safety at AstraZeneca and was Endocrinology product management at Genzyme France, where he developed the European commercial strategy of orphan drugs. His passion is helping health care innovative companies to successfully increase their footprint in the US.
Alexandre is currently in charge of the North American Health department at Business France, the French public agency for international development of the economy. Over the last couple of years, Alexandre has helped French innovative life sciences start-up companies to expand successfully their business activities in the United States and Canada. Alexandre’s mission is to provide strategic business development to sustain their growth in North America, and accelerate their development and visibility through trade shows, scientific conferences and events. Alexandre organized and coordinated the French presence at Bio in Boston in 2018, and participates to entrepreneur programs like New Technology Venture Accelerator (NETVA) and Young Entrepreneur Initiative (Yei). Prior to Business France, Alexandre worked in drug safety at AstraZeneca and was Endocrinology product management at Genzyme France, where he developed the European commercial strategy of orphan drugs. His passion is helping health care innovative companies to successfully increase their footprint in the US.
SAMUEL GOSSELIN- ALLIANCE MANAGEMENT, GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS & BD
Strategic and operational executive experienced in both Life Science and High Tech Services. Successfully creates and implements strategies for corporations to meet their international vision and goals, building global relationships by strengthening client knowledge and capabilities. Previously Director of Strategic Alliance Management at Biogen Idec, developing and implementing Biogen’s global strategic relationship management and leading cross-functional teams ensuring key partners relations worldwide meets company’s objectives. Currently Director of Business Development - Early Phase at Parexel.
Strategic and operational executive experienced in both Life Science and High Tech Services. Successfully creates and implements strategies for corporations to meet their international vision and goals, building global relationships by strengthening client knowledge and capabilities. Previously Director of Strategic Alliance Management at Biogen Idec, developing and implementing Biogen’s global strategic relationship management and leading cross-functional teams ensuring key partners relations worldwide meets company’s objectives. Currently Director of Business Development - Early Phase at Parexel.
SANDRINE HULOT, Ph.D. - ACADEMICS/ ONCOLOGY
Sandrine holds a Master's degree in Bioengineering and a PhD in Biology, and has over 10 years of experience in conducting biomedical research at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), University of Paris in France, and at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC, affiliated with Harvard Medical School). Sandrine focuses on translating innovative ideas into effective strategies that improve and save lives and her scientific expertise ranges from bioactive molecules, vaccines to cellular therapy for neuromuscular disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Sandrine is committed to developing successful international private/public partnerships, helping young start-ups to expand (go to market/growth strategy) and bring solutions to patients facing daunting diseases worldwide.
Sandrine holds a Master's degree in Bioengineering and a PhD in Biology, and has over 10 years of experience in conducting biomedical research at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), University of Paris in France, and at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC, affiliated with Harvard Medical School). Sandrine focuses on translating innovative ideas into effective strategies that improve and save lives and her scientific expertise ranges from bioactive molecules, vaccines to cellular therapy for neuromuscular disorders, infectious diseases and cancer. Sandrine is committed to developing successful international private/public partnerships, helping young start-ups to expand (go to market/growth strategy) and bring solutions to patients facing daunting diseases worldwide.
JEAN JACQUES YARMOFF, Ph.D. - INNOVATION
Ph.D. in Engineering from Tokyo University, a Masters in Biotechnology and a Chemical Engineering diploma from the University of Nancy, France. Currently works for BioLabs, responsible for the international expansion of this biotech co-working incubator. Member of the board of North Shore InnoVentures. Previously, part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs from September 2013 to August 2017 as Attaché for Science and Technology in the Consulate General of France in Boston ; responsible for International Partnerships in France with OSEO (since renamed Bpifrance),running the ISI program to help technologically advanced projects with large market potential (1.2 billion Euros in aid to these collaborative projects); previous roles include US- and Japan-based positions within the pharmaceutical industry in large companies and start-ups.
Ph.D. in Engineering from Tokyo University, a Masters in Biotechnology and a Chemical Engineering diploma from the University of Nancy, France. Currently works for BioLabs, responsible for the international expansion of this biotech co-working incubator. Member of the board of North Shore InnoVentures. Previously, part of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs from September 2013 to August 2017 as Attaché for Science and Technology in the Consulate General of France in Boston ; responsible for International Partnerships in France with OSEO (since renamed Bpifrance),running the ISI program to help technologically advanced projects with large market potential (1.2 billion Euros in aid to these collaborative projects); previous roles include US- and Japan-based positions within the pharmaceutical industry in large companies and start-ups.
VALERIE PHILIPPON, Ph.D. - MEDICAL AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS
Valérie has over 20 years of experience in Research, Development, Program Management and Medical Affairs. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University Denis Diderot Paris, France and moved to the Boston area in 1994 to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard School of Public Health. She has held a variety of Medical Affairs and Scientific Communication roles with increasing responsibilities successively at Idenix, Vertex, AVEO Oncology, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, and Shire. Valerie is a founding member and coordinator of the Boston Café des Sciences, a monthly scientific gathering of the francophone scientific community in Massachusetts, and a board member of the New England chapter of French Trade Advisors Association (Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur de la France, section Nouvelle Angleterre).
Valérie has over 20 years of experience in Research, Development, Program Management and Medical Affairs. She received her Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University Denis Diderot Paris, France and moved to the Boston area in 1994 to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard School of Public Health. She has held a variety of Medical Affairs and Scientific Communication roles with increasing responsibilities successively at Idenix, Vertex, AVEO Oncology, Cubist Pharmaceuticals, and Shire. Valerie is a founding member and coordinator of the Boston Café des Sciences, a monthly scientific gathering of the francophone scientific community in Massachusetts, and a board member of the New England chapter of French Trade Advisors Association (Conseillers du Commerce Exterieur de la France, section Nouvelle Angleterre).
JEAN-NOEL PELLEGRIN - VALUATION, FINANCE SUPPORT TO M&A AND BD
Over 25 years of experience in various Finance positions (E&Y consultant, CFO of automotive and semiconductors manufacturing sites, global R&D controller and corporate finance in SANOFI). Sciences-Po Paris. 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, currently Director of Valuation and Finance Support to M&A and Business Development, part of SANOFI’s Corporate Finance. Specialist in valuation of business cases, due diligence and legal aspects for various types of transactions (R&D agreements, commercial partnerships, licensing, M&A,…).
Over 25 years of experience in various Finance positions (E&Y consultant, CFO of automotive and semiconductors manufacturing sites, global R&D controller and corporate finance in SANOFI). Sciences-Po Paris. 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, currently Director of Valuation and Finance Support to M&A and Business Development, part of SANOFI’s Corporate Finance. Specialist in valuation of business cases, due diligence and legal aspects for various types of transactions (R&D agreements, commercial partnerships, licensing, M&A,…).
CECILE PASTEL LEVY, MD - MEDICAL AFFAIRS, COMMUNICATION
Cecile holds an MD from France and has more than 10 years of experience in the scientific and medical fields, specifically at the Mass General Hospital and more recently in biotech and pharmaceutical research. She also brings her excellent communication and networking skills she honed while doing medical strategy and academic partnerships at 3M Healthcare and Energy &Co .She is energetic, dedicated and is currently working as a medical consultant helping children on the Autism spectrum.
Cecile holds an MD from France and has more than 10 years of experience in the scientific and medical fields, specifically at the Mass General Hospital and more recently in biotech and pharmaceutical research. She also brings her excellent communication and networking skills she honed while doing medical strategy and academic partnerships at 3M Healthcare and Energy &Co .She is energetic, dedicated and is currently working as a medical consultant helping children on the Autism spectrum.
STEPHANE PELUSO, Ph.D. - DRUG DISCOVERY & BD
Drug hunter with over 15 years working experience in the biotech industry. Started his career as a medicinal chemist at Millennium Pharmaceuticals where he originated a series of novel, potent inhibitors of E1s that ultimately progressed to the first-in-class clinical candidates NAE inhibitor MLN4924 and more recently UAE inhibitor MLN7243. Then joined Infinity Pharmaceuticals where he held positions of increasing responsibilities in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Most recently, was Senior Director Drug Discovery and headed Infinity’s Early Discovery and Pipeline Expansion efforts toward building a portfolio of preclinical oncology programs through both business development and internal R&D. Stephane graduated from the School of Chemistry of Lyon, France (ESCIL), obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and completed postdoctoral studies in Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Drug hunter with over 15 years working experience in the biotech industry. Started his career as a medicinal chemist at Millennium Pharmaceuticals where he originated a series of novel, potent inhibitors of E1s that ultimately progressed to the first-in-class clinical candidates NAE inhibitor MLN4924 and more recently UAE inhibitor MLN7243. Then joined Infinity Pharmaceuticals where he held positions of increasing responsibilities in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Most recently, was Senior Director Drug Discovery and headed Infinity’s Early Discovery and Pipeline Expansion efforts toward building a portfolio of preclinical oncology programs through both business development and internal R&D. Stephane graduated from the School of Chemistry of Lyon, France (ESCIL), obtained his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and completed postdoctoral studies in Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
LOIC VINCENT, Ph.D. - RESEARCH PARTNERSHIPS
Oncology Scientist with international academia/biotech/pharma industry experience, Loïc is a Pharmacologist by initial training with a PhD received in 2003 from the University of Rouen, France. During his thesis, Loïc worked in collaboration with Bayer Pharma and received the Young Scientist Award from the Bettencourt-Schueller’s Foundation for his work. Loïc did a post-doctoral fellowship in Oncology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in NY, where he worked in collaboration with ImClone Systems & OxiGene. Loïc was then appointed Head of Pharmacology at Endotis Pharma before joining Sanofi as Head of Pharmacology for Sanofi Oncology business unit in 2009. In 2013, Loïc was given the responsibility to build & lead the Immunotherapy Strategy & Execution Team dedicated to shape and implement a strategy for Sanofi to enter the field of immunotherapy, and was then appointed Head of Oncology External Innovation.Loïc joined Takeda in 2016 and is currently global Head of Oncology & Immunology Research Partnerships. Loïc is author and co-author of 33 scientific papers and 45 poster/oral presentations.
Oncology Scientist with international academia/biotech/pharma industry experience, Loïc is a Pharmacologist by initial training with a PhD received in 2003 from the University of Rouen, France. During his thesis, Loïc worked in collaboration with Bayer Pharma and received the Young Scientist Award from the Bettencourt-Schueller’s Foundation for his work. Loïc did a post-doctoral fellowship in Oncology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in NY, where he worked in collaboration with ImClone Systems & OxiGene. Loïc was then appointed Head of Pharmacology at Endotis Pharma before joining Sanofi as Head of Pharmacology for Sanofi Oncology business unit in 2009. In 2013, Loïc was given the responsibility to build & lead the Immunotherapy Strategy & Execution Team dedicated to shape and implement a strategy for Sanofi to enter the field of immunotherapy, and was then appointed Head of Oncology External Innovation.Loïc joined Takeda in 2016 and is currently global Head of Oncology & Immunology Research Partnerships. Loïc is author and co-author of 33 scientific papers and 45 poster/oral presentations.
JEROME WINDSOR, PharmD., MBA - BUSINESS STRATEGY, MED DEVICE, & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Jerome is an entrepreneur and an executive with broad experience building and growing commercial organizations for payers, pharmaceutical and medtech companies. Well connected with both French and local academic institutions in Boston (e.g. HMS, Beth Israel, Dana Farber, MGH), he has lead significant corporate strategy, equity funding, business transformation plans for new ventures and mid sized organizations in Europe or in the US in the field of artificial intelligence, in Oncology, Cardiology, Dermatology and Imaging.
Jerome is an entrepreneur and an executive with broad experience building and growing commercial organizations for payers, pharmaceutical and medtech companies. Well connected with both French and local academic institutions in Boston (e.g. HMS, Beth Israel, Dana Farber, MGH), he has lead significant corporate strategy, equity funding, business transformation plans for new ventures and mid sized organizations in Europe or in the US in the field of artificial intelligence, in Oncology, Cardiology, Dermatology and Imaging.
