Flot.bio x Philip Hemme

At the beginning of 2025, Sten R. Sörensen announced Cereno Scientific’s positive Phase 2a results in PAH for lead asset CS1. He’s now moving forward with a global Phase 2b trial starting in Q2 2026. The company also progresses its second HDACi asset, CS014, toward Phase 2. Cereno's developing pioneering treatments with disease-modification potential for rare cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.---Learn more about Cereno: https://bit.ly/cereno-e52---
⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Sten joined Cereno as CEO in 2015, with decades of experience in pharma, ranging from Monsanto Pharma to AstraZeneca.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Cereno’s website - https://cerenoscientific.com/
Cereno Scientific | BioStock Life Science Summit 2024 - [https://www.youtu.be/A5b3Ud_PSas](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5b3Ud_PSas)
Cereno Scientific announces positive topline results of Phase IIa trial with lead candidate CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension **-** https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=2D7F159764FDB891
Cereno's HDAC inhibitor reduces risks from pulmonary arterial hypertension in phase 2 trial **-** https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/cerenos-hdac-inhibitor-reduces-risks-pulmonary-arterial-hypertension-phase-2-trial
Cereno Scientific Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Global Phase IIb Trial of CS1 in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) - https://cerenoscientific.com/press-single/?releaseIdentifier=008944355F62DA91
Competing drug Winrevair / sotatercept by US Merck - https://www.drugs.com/winrevair.html

📜 TRANSCRIPT
Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/sten-sorensen-cereno-drug-repurposing/
💸 DONATE
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⭐️ SPONSORSHIP
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🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO
Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:04] Cereno's Phase2A results
[00:21:59] Phase2B
[00:32:41] Cereno's pipeline
[00:40:56] The finances of running a Phase2B
[00:45:07] Investor base of Cereno
[00:50:42] A strong team is crucial for Cereno
[00:55:41] The Swedish biotech ecosystem
[01:02:54] Sten Sörensen's background
[01:10:39] Success in drug repurposing
[01:16:03] Quickfire

Founded in 1991, Camurus has grown into a $4B biotech with two products in the market, a rich pipeline, and 290 employees.Fredrik explains how Camurus’ long-acting injections — part of its FluidCrystal technology — breathe new life into generic drugs, making it easier for patients to stick to their treatment regimen. This has applications in many diseases, including hormonal disorders and obesity, with new formulations of GLP-1 agonists.He also discusses how long-acting versions of buprenorphine can help patients to overcome opioid addiction and tackle the global opioid crisis.
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Learn how YSDS helps move your most sensitive life sciences shipments worldwide, safely, on time, with full visibility at https://bit.ly/ysds-flotbio.
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⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Fredrik joined Camurus in 2002 as a member of the board and CEO in 2003. Before this, he was CEO of Heptahelix AB and a leading academic at Lund University and the University of Oxford.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Camurus’ website - https://www.camurus.com/
Oczyesa’s approval - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-oczyesa-receives-marketing-authorization-for-treatment-of-acromegaly-in-the-eu/
Brixadi’s approval - https://braeburnrx.com/media/press-releases/braeburns-brixadi-buprenorphine-extended-release-subcutaneous-injection-ciii-receives-fda-approval-for-moderate-to-severe-opioid-use-disorder
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty - https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pain-History-Sackler-Dynasty/dp/0385545681
Camurus regains worldwide development and commercialization rights to CAM2029 from Novartis - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2018/camurus-regains-worldwide-development-and-commercialization-rights-to-cam2029-and-related-product-candidates/
Camurus and Lilly enter collaboration and license agreement - https://www.camurus.com/media/press-releases/2025/camurus-and-lilly-enter-collaboration-and-license-agreement-for-long-acting-fluidcrystal-incretins/
Nitazenes: Super-strength opioids spreading across Europe and North America - UN - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgge1ez0r2o

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/fredrik-tiberg-camurus-opioid-crisis/

💸 DONATE
We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!
🫶 FOLLOW US

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X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:47] Camurus: the $4-billion powerhouse
[00:08:25] The FluidCrystal technology
[00:15:24] Buvidal tackles opioid addiction
[00:26:05] Oczyesa’s commercial challenges
[00:31:03] Metabolic programmes in progress
[00:34:45] 4 years of profits
[00:37:00] Solving the opioid crisis
[00:46:44] Europe’s long-acting drugs scene
[00:51:05] Fredrik Tiberg’s background
[00:55:15] Quick-fire questions

Founded in 1979, Transgene has transformed itself into a leading personalized cancer vaccine player. Alessandro talks about the transformation, his history in cell therapy and how Europe’s biotech space can rival those of the US and China.

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Learn more about Transgene: https://bit.ly/tg_flotbio
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⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Alessandro became Transgene’s CEO in 2023 after joining in 2022 as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also played a key role in Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma and the regulatory approval of the CAR-T therapy Yescarta.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Transgene’s website - https://www.transgene.fr/
Transgene’s €105 million fundraising - https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/11/26/3195422/0/en/Transgene-Successfully-Completes-a-Fundraising-of-c-105-Million.html
FDA approves neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-neoadjuvant-and-adjuvant-pembrolizumab-resectable-locally-advanced-head-and-neck
Gilead Sciences’ acquisition of Kite Pharma for $11.9 billion - https://www.gilead.com/news/news-details/2017/gilead-sciences-to-acquire-kite-pharma-for-119-billion
Johnson & Johnson’s collaboration and license deal withLegend Biotech - https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/janssen-enters-worldwide-collaboration-and-license-agreement-with-chinese-company-legend-biotech-to-develop-investigational-car-t-anti-cancer-therapy

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/alessandro-riva-transgene-cancer-vaccines/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:02] Transgene, the French biotech heavyweight
[00:04:55] Standout personalized cancer vaccine
[00:25:33] Transgene’s €105 million fundraising
[00:32:05] Catalysts and oncolytic viruses

Pascal Touchon unpacks why the next CAR-T innovations, including allogeneic and in vivo therapies, are going to be so exciting.

The cell therapy master outlines his central role in bringing two first‑in‑class cell therapies to patients: Kymriah, the first approved CAR‑T, and Ebvallo, the first approved allogeneic T‑cell therapy.

We also explore his new position as an operating partner at Jeito and how we need to work harder to find Europe’s hidden biotech gems.

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Get expert legal advisory support for growing your biotech from Osborne Clarke at https://bit.ly/oc-flotbio

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⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER

With many years of experience in big pharma, Pascal had top-level positions at Novartis Oncology. He later served as CEO, and most recently Chairman, of Atara Biotherapeutics. Alongside his Jeito role, he sits on the boards of companies including Ipsen, Medincell, Catalym, Xylocor and CDR-Life.

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED
Jeito’s website: https://www.jeito.life/en/home/
Stefano Portolano, Azafaros | Rare Diseases, Small Molecules Revival | E40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdaPW7xg_qk
Otello Stampacchia, Omega Funds 🇮🇹 | Competition, Boston & Pasta | E18: https://flot.bio/episode/otello-stampacchia-omega-funds/
Fabrice Chouraqui, Pharming 🇳🇱 | Transgenic Rabbits, Rare Diseases | E43: https://flot.bio/episode/fabrice-chouraqui-pharming-transgenic-rabbit/
Laurent Levy, Nanobiotix 🇫🇷 | Nanoparticles, Radiotherapy | E45: https://flot.bio/episode/laurent-levy-nanobiotix-nanoparticles-radiotherapy/
Marc de Garidel, Abivax | How to make two Billion-dollar exits (“smoothly”) | E09: https://flot.bio/episode/marc-de-garidel-abivax-exit/

📜 TRANSCRIPT

Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/pascal-touchon-jeito/

💸 DONATE

We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme

⭐️ SPONSORSHIP

Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!

🫶 FOLLOW US

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio

🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW

Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

🎙️ ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:40] The rise of Kymriah and Ebvallo
[00:05:40] CAR-T: crazy innovations and valuations
[00:20:35] Solid tumor challenges
[00:23:18] Cell therapy manufacturing and in vivo CAR-T
[00:31:38] Catching the innovation wave at Jeito Capital
[00:39:29] VC models and European biotech gems
[00:52:51] Biotech without borders
[01:05:49] France’s rising pharma stars
[01:08:30] Quick-fire questions

Why have early AI drug-discovery companies often overpromised but underdelivered? Biology is still complex and hard to solve, Werner told Philip in Vienna.We revisit Werner in Vienna after he left Evotec and went on a sabbatical in 2024. We talk about his new missions as FairJourney CEO and founder of WLAN Holdings, and discuss the global CDMO scene and Europe’s competitivity in biotech.And while it's still early days yet, we find out AI will transform the way we work in biopharma going forward, with new generations of companies shaping their business models around it.
⭐️ ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Werner is the new CEO of FairJourney Biologics and invests with his holding. He served as CEO of Evotec from 2009 to 2024, expanding the company’s revenues and workforce. Prior to this, he was the CFO of Intercell in Austria for nine years.
🔗 LINKS MENTIONED

WLAN Holding’s website - [](https://tiltbio.com/) https://wlanholding.com/
Werner Lanthaler, Evotec | Leading AI in Biotech | E02 -- https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-evotec-ai-in-biotech/
Antoine Papiernik, Sofinnova | Billion Investing with Balance | E01 — https://flot.bio/episode/antoine-papiernik-sofinnova-ebillion-biotech-investing-with-balance/
Alex Zhavoronkov, Insilico Medicine | AI Drug Development, Longevity | E39 — https://flot.bio/episode/alex-zhavoronkov-insilico-medicine-ai-drug-development-longevity/
📜 TRANSCRIPT
Read the full transcript here: https://flot.bio/episode/werner-lanthaler-biopharma-ai/
💸 DONATE
We welcome donations from individuals and businesses to support our podcast and allow us to create even more content: https://www.paypal.me/PhilipHemme
⭐️ SPONSORSHIP
Ready to amplify your brand to influential leaders in biotech and biopharma? Contact [email protected] and unlock sponsorship opportunities in our podcasts!
🫶 FOLLOW US
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/h_fnmH
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flot-bio/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/FlotBio
🙏 LIKE/FOLLOW/REVIEW
Did you enjoy the episode? Please hit the like and subscribe button. Also, please let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
🎙️ABOUT FLOT.BIO

Flot.bio is a show to watch the best Europeans in biotech to help you grow. Hosted by Philip Hemme. 25k monthly views. Free.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS

[00:00:00] Intro
[00:02:09] Werner Lanthaler: from Evotec to new roles
[00:06:01] WLAN Holding and the benefits of a sabbatical
[00:10:58] Inside the Evotec departure
[00:13:13] Joining FairJourney Biologics
[00:20:33] The job market in Europe
[00:23:49] CDMO competition and China
[00:28:07] Letting European biotech compete globally
[00:34:50] How AI has overpromised in biopharma
[00:48:09] Quick-fire questions