In a groundbreaking announcement from Lund, Sweden, on September 1, 2023, Hansa Biopharma, also known as ‘Hansa’ on the Nasdaq Stockholm under the symbol HNSA, has set the stage for a transformative journey with the appointment of Dr. Hitto Kaufmann as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective from December 1, 2023.
In his role as CSO, Dr. Kaufmann will wield his expertise to steer Hansa’s research, early development, translational efforts, and manufacturing activities. His direct reporting line will lead to none other than President & Chief Executive Officer, Søren Tulstrup, and he will take a seat at the prestigious table of Hansa’s Executive Committee.
Dr. Kaufmann arrives at Hansa from Pieris Pharmaceuticals, where he held the position of Chief Scientific Officer since 2019. At Pieris, he masterminded the R&D platform, orchestrating the creation of cutting-edge next-generation protein therapeutics and shepherding them through regulatory submissions across various medical indications. His legacy extends to reshaping the company’s operational landscape with accelerated development trajectories, machine-learning infused R&D strategies, and rock-solid high-performance manufacturing and delivery systems.
Søren Tulstrup, the visionary President and CEO of Hansa Biopharma, exclaimed, “We are ecstatic to welcome Hitto into the Hansa family at this momentous juncture. Armed with over two decades of experience in research, development, and scientific innovation, he stands poised to lead the charge in shaping our scientific framework and propelling our exciting pipeline of drug candidates for rare immunologic diseases and conditions.
Hitto’s illustrious record includes crafting groundbreaking medicines, advancing strategic R&D alliances, and pioneering next-generation therapeutic platforms. He has not only demonstrated an extraordinary knack for assembling and leading exceptional teams but has done so in both the sprawling landscape of big pharma and the dynamic realm of nimble biotech organizations.”
Dr. Hitto Kaufmann himself chimed in, saying, “I am beyond thrilled to build upon the remarkable work that has already established Hansa as a beacon among mid-stage biotech companies. Hansa’s scientific arsenal, particularly its one-of-a-kind versatile IgG antibody cleaving enzyme platform, holds the promise of ushering in improved patient outcomes in areas marked by substantial unmet needs.
I eagerly anticipate joining forces with a team of diverse, exceptionally talented individuals and collaborating across the entire organization to craft and deliver medicines that have the potential to save and transform lives.”
Biography
Meet the remarkable Dr. Hitto Kaufmann, a trailblazer in the world of biopharma. For the past four years, he’s been the driving force behind Pieris Pharmaceuticals, where he’s held the prestigious role of Chief Scientific Officer. With over two decades of experience under his belt, Dr. Kaufmann’s journey reads like a blockbuster novel.
During his tenure at Pieris, he’s been the architect behind the development of nearly 100 biological therapeutic entities. Picture that—100 groundbreaking therapies brought to life by his visionary leadership. Not only that, but he’s been the mastermind behind strategic partnerships that have propelled numerous projects to success.
But Dr. Kaufmann’s impact doesn’t stop there. At Pieris, he wore many hats, overseeing research, technical development, data sciences, and drug supply. As if that wasn’t enough, he also took charge of early-stage projects and alliance management. It’s safe to say that his fingerprints are all over the transformation of Pieris Pharmaceuticals into a powerhouse of drug development.
And that’s not all! Dr. Kaufmann’s influence extends beyond the corporate realm. He’s currently a valued member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnologica (iBET), a renowned non-profit organization in Portugal, where groundbreaking biology research and drug discovery services take center stage.
Before his time at Pieris, Dr. Kaufmann spent a fruitful five years at Sanofi, where he held executive positions in Industrial Affairs and R&D. His crowning achievement during this period was the creation of a cross-divisional technology platform for Sanofi Biologics through strategic deals. He was also at the helm of Global Biopharmaceutics Development, leading a workforce of over 700 across three sites, focused on technical development, analytics, clinical supply, and release.
Prior to his time at Sanofi, Dr. Kaufmann spent more than a decade at Boehringer Ingelheim, rising to the position of Vice President of Process Sciences in the Biopharmaceuticals division. He commenced his career as a Research Scientist at the prestigious Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia.
To top it all off, Dr. Kaufmann’s academic journey is equally impressive. He earned his Ph.D. in Natural Science from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, with a specialization in cell culture technology. His academic pursuits also led him to obtain a Master of Science degree in biotechnology from the Technical University of Braunschweig and the revered Scripps Research Institute.
With a track record like his, it’s no wonder Dr. Kaufmann is making waves in the world of biopharma. His story is one of innovation, leadership, and an unyielding commitment to advancing science and improving lives.