Beginning gene therapy preclinical development with the end in mind: from preclinical to economic modelling

Cell & Gene Therapy Insights 2021; 7(1), 63–70

10.18609/cgti.2021.019

Published: 16 February 2021
Interview
Olivier Negre, PhD

Olivier Negre, PhD developed his expertise in preclinical research, bioassays, and drug development through more than 20 years of experience in biotherapies. After working on recombinant vaccines with Bioprotein Technologies, he joined bluebird bio (formerly Genetix Pharmaceuticals) and contributed for 15 years to the development of the first approved gene therapy for beta-thalassemia (ZyntegloTM). From preclinical studies to marketing authorization, he served as Senior Scientist/Team Leader in France and Director translational Research in the USA. He is currently, co-founder and Partner at Biotherapy Partners, acting Chief Development Officer of a biotech company, a participant in HEC Challenge+ program, board member of the French Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, expert of the Cure Sickle Cell initiative (NIH) and active member of the think-tank Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (G&CTI). Olivier graduated from ENSTBB engineering school and earned a PhD in cell and molecular biology from Paris Diderot University. He contributed to several patents and scientific publications in the field of gene and cell therapy (e.g. Nature 2010, Blood 2011, Stem Cells 2013, Current Gene Therapy 2015, Human Gene Therapy 2016, The New England Journal of Medicine 2017, The New England Journal of Medicine 2018, Science Translational 2019, Molecular Therapy Methods & Clin. Dev. 2020, BioDrugs 2020, The New England Journal of Medicine 2021).